Penicillinase

Penicillinase is an enzyme produced by certain bacteria that helps them resist penicillin antibiotics. When penicillin is used to treat infections, penicillinase breaks down the antibiotic before it can kill the bacteria, rendering the medication ineffective. This ability to produce penicillinase is a common way bacteria develop resistance, making some infections harder to treat. Scientists have created modified antibiotics and inhibitors to counteract this enzyme, helping to maintain the effectiveness of penicillin-based treatments.