Beta-Lactamase

**Semantic type:** Amino Acid, Peptide, or Protein|Enzyme

**Definition:** An enzyme that brings about the hydrolysis of a beta-lactam (as penicillin to penicilloic acid); found in most staphylococcus strains that are naturally resistant to penicillin.

**Synonyms:** - Cephalosporinase - Penicillinase