Beta-lactam in a heteroatomic ring structure, consisting of three
carbon atoms and one
nitrogen atom (Fig. 1). The beta-lactam ring is part of several
antibiotics, such as
penicillin, which are therefore also called
beta-lactam antibiotics. These antibiotics work by inhibiting the bacterial
cell wall synthesis. This has a lethal effect on
bacteria, especially on
Gram-positive ones. Bacteria can become
resistant against beta-lactam antibiotics by expressing
beta-lactamase.
Figure 1: Penicillin-G. Beta-lactam ring marked blue.
