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Bacterial resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics (eg, penicillin) is usually due to the bacterial production of beta-lactamase. this results in: ______

User Moz
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Final answer:

Bacterial resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics like penicillin generally arises from the bacteria producing beta-lactamase enzymes that inactivate the antibiotic by cleaving its beta-lactam ring.

Step-by-step explanation:

Bacterial resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics, such as penicillin, is primarily due to the production of beta-lactamase enzymes by bacteria. These enzymes cleave the beta-lactam ring within the antibiotic molecule, which is crucial for its antibacterial activity.

As a result, the antibiotics are rendered inactive, and the bacteria are no longer susceptible to their effects. This process of inactivation is the most common mechanism of resistance against beta-lactam antibiotics.

Scientists have responded to this challenge by synthesizing penicillin analogs that are not inactivated by beta-lactamase, such as methicillin, though some bacteria have evolved further resistance mechanisms.

User Rickard Von Essen
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