Sandbox Reserved 992: Difference between revisions

Class C β-lactamases are a subcategory of β-lactamase enzymes. These enzymes are produced by some bacteria and result in their resistance to a variety of β-lactam antibiotics. β-lactam antibiotics are classified based on their chemical structure which contains a four membered, amide containing ring known as the β-lactam ring. Class C β-lactamases specifically target cephalosporin antibiotics and deactivate their antimicrobial activity by hydrolyzing the β-lactam ring.

[[Image:Beta-lactam.jpg|200px|thumb|left|A β-lactam antibiotic (Penicillin)]]Clinically, β-lactam antibiotics, characterized by their central chemical structure, are utilized to combat bacterial infections by targeting penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), also known as transpeptidases. PBPs are enzymes that are located in the cell membrane and function in cross-linking to form the peptidoglycan layer. PBPs have a deprotonated serine which executes nucleophilic attack on the carbonyl carbon. The PBP is then covalently attached to one unit of peptidoglycan. The amino group of an alanine on a second unit of peptidoglycan then performs a second nucleophilic attack on the carbonyl carbon, resulting in two covalently cross-linked peptidoglycan units and the regeneration of the catalytic PBP.<ref>"Peptidoglycan cell wall." The University of Warwick. n.d. Web. 25 Jan 15</ref>