What are beta lactams antibiotics?

1 Answer
Zero Two
Apr 7, 2016

Penicillin

Explanation:

Beta-lactam antibiotics like penicillin, cephalosporins and carbapenems inhibit the formation of a bacterium's cell wall.

The cell wall of a bacterium is made of peptidoglycan. It consists of carbohydrates and amino acids that cross-link to form a mesh-like layer. The cell wall acts as a barrier against foreign objects and sustains the form of the bacterium.

Beta-lactam antibiotics break these cross-links that hold the cell wall together so it falls apart and kills itself.

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