Final answer:
Penicillin, a beta-lactam antibiotic, is susceptible to degradation by beta-lactamases, which are bacterial enzymes that can inactivate it. Tetracycline and sulfonamides have different mechanisms of action and are not affected by these enzymes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Antibiotics known as beta-lactams, such as penicillin, are overcome by beta-lactamases. Beta-lactamases are enzymes produced by certain bacteria that cleave the beta-lactam ring of these antibiotics, rendering them inactive and allowing the bacteria to resist the effects of the antibiotic. Tetracycline and sulfonamides work through different mechanisms and are not affected by beta-lactamases. Tetracycline blocks protein synthesis by inhibiting tRNA binding to the ribosome, and sulfonamides act as antimetabolites by interfering with folic acid synthesis in bacteria. Penicillin, which is a beta-lactam antibiotic, is specifically designed to inhibit cell wall synthesis by targeting penicillin-binding proteins involved in cell wall construction. However, beta-lactamases can deactivate penicillin by breaking down its structure. Consequently, this antibiotic is susceptible to degradation by these enzymes.