Final answer:
Clavulanic acid and tazobactam are β-lactamase inhibitors that protect and enhance the activity of β-lactam antibiotics by binding to and inhibiting the β-lactamase enzyme.
Step-by-step explanation:
Clavulanic acid and tazobactam are both β-lactamase inhibitors, designed to overcome resistance to β-lactam antibiotics. They work by irreversibly binding to the active site of the β-lactamase enzyme, which is produced by bacteria and degrades the β-lactam ring of the antibiotics, rendering them ineffective. By inhibiting β-lactamase, clavulanic acid and tazobactam protect and enhance the activity of β-lactam antibiotics, such as amoxicillin.