microbiology basic and clinical principles test bank Related

Review microbiology basic and clinical principles test bank related questions and content

What reaction is catalyzed by a beta-lactamase enzyme

  • A. the final cross-linking reaction to form the bacterial cell wall
  • B. the biosynthesis of the penicillin structure from the amino acid valine and cysteine
  • C. the hydrolysis of the four-membered ring present in penicillin
  • D. the hydrolysis of the acyl side chain from penicillin structures
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: the hydrolysis of the four-membered ring present in penicillin. Beta-lactamase enzyme catalyzes the hydrolysis of the four-membered beta-lactam ring present in penicillin, rendering the antibiotic ineffective against bacterial cell walls. This enzyme breaks the bond in the beta-lactam ring, thus inactivating the antibiotic.

Incorrect choices:
A: the final cross-linking reaction to form the bacterial cell wall - This is incorrect as beta-lactamase does not participate in the formation of bacterial cell walls.
B: the biosynthesis of the penicillin structure from the amino acid valine and cysteine - This is incorrect as beta-lactamase is not involved in the biosynthesis of penicillin.
D: the hydrolysis of the acyl side chain from penicillin structures - This is incorrect as beta-lactamase specifically targets the beta-lactam ring, not the