Which mechanism is best illustrated by production of beta-lactamase enzymes by bacteria?

Enzymatic inactivation — the enzyme chemically breaks down the antibiotic (e.g., cleaving the beta-lactam ring).

Rapid efflux — beta-lactamase functions as a membrane pump that expels antibiotics from the cytoplasm.

Target alteration — beta-lactamase methylates ribosomes to prevent binding of beta-lactams.

Decreased influx — beta-lactamase reduces antibiotic entry through porins into gram-negative bacteria.