Abstract: Insect alkaline phosphatases are distributed in such insect organs and tissues as head, salivary gland (saliva), intestine, Malpighian tube, cuticule, haemolymph, fat body, reproductive system and appendage. They may be involved in the process of insect development, nerve conduction, hormone synthesis, substance metabolism and diapause, and caste formation in social insects, etc. Alkaline phosphatases can make insect more resistant to insecticides, especially to Bt toxins. They can also be the target enzymes for some insecticides. Some biological substances can affect the enzyme activity, so can some viruses and fungi. Studies on the insect alkaline phosphatases may help the understanding of biochemical mechanism and metabolic process in insects, and also provide new ideas for pest management and the rearing of resource insects. Research progress in insect alkaline phosphatases is reviewed, and the biochemical properties of the enzymes and their relationship with physiological function are also described.

Key words: Insect, alkaline phosphatase, physiological function, biochemical properties, metabolic process, application prospects