beta-lactamase

[ bā′tə-lăk′tə-mās′, -māz′ ]

n.

Any of various enzymes that are produced by gram-negative bacteria and hydrolyze lactam rings, thereby inactivating penicillin and cephalosporin antibiotics. cephalosporinase penicillinase

Words nearby beta-lactamase

beta-fructofuranosidase, beta-glucuronidase, beta-hemolytic streptococci, beta-indoleacetic acid, beta-lactam, beta-lactamase, beta-lipoprotein, beta-naphthol, beta-naphthyl group, beta-naphthylamine, beta-oxidation