Beta-lactamase inhibitors work by which mechanism?

• A. Stop bacteria from destroying penicillin
• B. Killing bacteria directly
• C. Inhibiting protein synthesis
• D. Inhibiting DNA replication

Answer: (A)

Beta-lactamase inhibitors protect the antibiotic from being destroyed by bacterial enzymes. Some bacteria produce beta-lactamase enzymes that hydrolyze the beta-lactam ring of penicillins, rendering them ineffective. The inhibitor binds to these enzymes (often irreversibly or as a decoy), inactivating the beta-lactamase so the penicillin remains active. With the antibiotic preserved, it can still bind to its targets on the bacterial cell wall and block synthesis, leading to bacterial death. The inhibitors themselves don’t kill bacteria or shut down protein synthesis or DNA replication; they simply prevent degradation of the antibiotic, extending its effectiveness against beta-lactamase–producing organisms.