Final answer:
Penicillinase, also known as beta lactamase, is a bacterial enzyme that cleaves the ß-lactam ring of susceptible ß-lactam antimicrobials, rendering them inactive and conferring resistance. Some strains of bacteria become resistant to penicillin through a mutation that allows them to synthesize penicillinase. This enzyme breaks down penicillin by cleaving the amide linkage in the lactam ring.
Step-by-step explanation:
Penicillinase, also known as beta lactamase, is a bacterial enzyme that cleaves the ß-lactam ring of susceptible ß-lactam antimicrobials, rendering them inactive and conferring resistance. Some strains of bacteria become resistant to penicillin through a mutation that allows them to synthesize penicillinase. This enzyme breaks down penicillin by cleaving the amide linkage in the lactam ring.