Final answer:
Beta-lactam drugs inhibit cell wall synthesis in bacteria by targeting the enzyme transpeptidase, which leads to cell degradation and lysis. They do not directly inhibit the formation of the cytoplasmic membrane.
Step-by-step explanation:
Beta-lactam drugs such as penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems, and monobactams are a group of antimicrobials that inhibit cell wall synthesis in bacteria. These drugs work by irreversibly inhibiting the enzyme transpeptidase, preventing the formation of peptide crosslinks in the peptidoglycan layer of the bacterial cell wall. This ultimately leads to the degradation and lysis of the bacterial cell. However, it is important to note that beta-lactam drugs do not directly inhibit the formation of the cytoplasmic membrane, but rather target cell wall synthesis.