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

• A. Enzymatic inactivation — the enzyme chemically breaks down the antibiotic (e.g., cleaving the beta-lactam ring).
• B. Rapid efflux — beta-lactamase functions as a membrane pump that expels antibiotics from the cytoplasm.
• C. Target alteration — beta-lactamase methylates ribosomes to prevent binding of beta-lactams.
• D. Decreased influx — beta-lactamase reduces antibiotic entry through porins into gram-negative bacteria.

Answer: (A)