Beta Lactamase General Information

BETA - LACTAMASE

Beta-lactamases are enzymes produced by some bacteria and are responsible for their resistance
to beta-lactam antibiotics like penicillins, cephalosporins (are relatively resistant to beta-lactamase),
cephamycins, and carbapenems (ertapenem). These antibiotics have a common element in their molecular structure:
a four-atom ring known as a beta-lactam. The lactamase enzyme breaks that ring open, deactivating the molecule's
antibacterial properties.