Beta-lactam
Encyclopedia : B : BE : BET : Beta-lactam
A beta-lactam (β-lactam) or penam is a lactam with a heteroatomic ring structure, consisting of three carbon atoms and one nitrogen atom. The beta-lactam ring is part of several antibiotics, such as penicillin, which are therefore also called beta-lactam antibiotics. These antibiotics work by inhibiting the bacterial cell wall synthesis. This has a lethal effect on bacteria, especially on Gram-positive ones. Bacteria can become resistant against beta-lactam antibiotics by expressing beta-lactamase.
See also:
- Beta-lactam antibiotic
- Beta-lactamase
- ATC_code_J01#J01C_Beta-lactam_antibacterials.2C_penicillins
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