A Mechanism for Penicillin Resistance in Bacteria Is

Question

A mechanism for penicillin resistance in bacteria is
A) acetylation of the antibiotic.
B) phosphorylation of the antibiotic.
C) confirmation change of the antibiotic.
D) splitting the β-lactam ring of the antibiotic.

Accepted Answer

The mechanism for penicillin resistance in bacteria is the splitting of the β-lactam ring of the antibiotic. This is accomplished by the production of an enzyme called β-lactamase, which breaks down the antibiotic and renders it inactive.