How does beta lactamase work?
1 Answer
Sep 10, 2016
β-Lactamases work by hydrolyzing β-lactams.
Explanation:
Some species of bacteria, such as MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) have developed resistance to β-lactam antibiotics like the penicillins by producing enzymes called β-lactamases.
Penicillin antibiotics all contain a four-membered ring called a β-lactam.
The β-lactamase hydrolyzes the amide bond in the β-lactam ring.
Breaking the β-lactam ring deactivates the antibiotic.
The antibiotic can no longer do its job, and the microorganism then becomes antibiotic-resistant .
