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Penicillinase, also known as beta-lactamase, is an enzyme that inactivates penicillin. Penicillin itself is an antibiotic derived from the Penicillium mold, discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928. Penicillin works by inhibiting bacterial enzymes essential for cell wall synthesis.12

However, some bacteria, like certain strains of Staphylococcus, have developed resistance to penicillin by producing penicillinase. This enzyme breaks down penicillin, rendering it ineffective. To combat this resistance, penicillinase-resistant penicillins have been developed.2

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3 Britannica Sources
  1. penicillinase
  2. penicillin
  3. antibiotic

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