beta-lactamase
nounEtymology From beta-lactam + -ase.
1
Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Natural sciences, Physical sciences An enzyme produced by certain bacteria, responsible for their resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics such as penicillin.
- Related terms
- clavulanate, sulbactam, tazobactam
- Hyponyms
- carbapenemase, ESBL, metallo-beta-lactamase, penicillinase