Beta-lactamase is best described as which of the following?

Beta-lactamase is best described as which of the following?

• A. An enzyme produced by bacteria that defeats penicillins
• B. A type of antibiotic
• C. A vaccine
• D. A probiotic

Answer: (A)

Beta-lactamase is an enzyme produced by certain bacteria that defeats penicillins by breaking the beta-lactam ring, which is essential for the antibiotic’s action on the bacterial cell wall. This enzymatic destruction inactivates the drug, allowing the bacteria to survive despite exposure to beta-lactam antibiotics. That’s why it’s described as an enzyme involved in antibiotic resistance, not as an antibiotic itself, a vaccine, or a probiotic. In practice, beta-lactamase inhibitors can be paired with beta-lactam antibiotics to block the enzyme and restore the drug’s activity.

Beta-lactamase is an enzyme produced by certain bacteria that defeats penicillins by breaking the beta-lactam ring, which is essential for the antibiotic’s action on the bacterial cell wall. This enzymatic destruction inactivates the drug, allowing the bacteria to survive despite exposure to beta-lactam antibiotics. That’s why it’s described as an enzyme involved in antibiotic resistance, not as an antibiotic itself, a vaccine, or a probiotic. In practice, beta-lactamase inhibitors can be paired with beta-lactam antibiotics to block the enzyme and restore the drug’s activity.