Chemicals and Drugs

beta-Lactamases

Enzymes found in many bacteria which catalyze the hydrolysis of the amide bond in the beta-lactam ring. Well known antibiotics destroyed by these enzymes are penicillins and cephalosporins.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

Enzymes found in many bacteria which catalyze the hydrolysis of the amide bond in the beta-lactam ring. Well known antibiotics destroyed by these enzymes are penicillins and cephalosporins.

MeSH Record

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Broader headings

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MeSH Record

Synonyms

3 entry terms
  • beta-Lactamase
  • beta Lactamase
  • beta Lactamases

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

28 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings administration & dosage, adverse effects, analysis, biosynthesis, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, chemical synthesis, chemistry, classification, deficiency, drug effects, economics, genetics, history, immunology, isolation & purification, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, physiology, poisoning, radiation effects, standards, supply & distribution, therapeutic use, toxicity, ultrastructure, urine.

MeSH Record

History Note

79

MeSH Record

Previous Indexing

  • Amidohydrolases (1966-1978)
  • Cephalosporinase (1975-1978)
  • Penicillinase (1966-1978)

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Number

  1. D08.811w.277w.087w.180w

MeSH Record

NLM Classification

QU 136

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. beta-Lactamases. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D001618. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D001618
  2. beta-Lactamases. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beta-lactamase
  3. beta-Lactamases. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q311379