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.

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The β-lactamase hydrolyzes the amide bond in the β-lactam ring.

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Breaking the β-lactam ring deactivates the antibiotic.

The antibiotic can no longer do its job, and the microorganism then becomes antibiotic-resistant .