A beta-lactam (β-lactam) or penam is a lactam with a heteroatomic ring structure, consisting of three carbon atoms and one nitrogen atom. The beta-lactam ring is part of several antibiotics, such as penicillin, which are therefore also called beta-lactam antibiotics. These antibiotics work by inhibiting the bacterial cell wall synthesis. This has a lethal effect on bacteria, especially on Gram-positive ones. Bacteria can become resistant against beta-lactam antibiotics by expressing beta-lactamase.

See also:

• Beta-lactam antibiotic
• Beta-lactamase
• ATC_code_J01#J01C_Beta-lactam_antibacterials.2C_penicillins

Beta-lactam antibiotics | functional groups | Bêta-lactame