What is another word for penicillinase?
Pronunciation: [pˈɛnɪsˌɪlɪnˌe͡ɪs] (IPA) 
Penicillinase is an enzyme that is produced by bacteria and is known for its ability to break down the antibiotic penicillin. Some synonyms for penicillinase include beta-lactamase, penicillin acylase or penicillinase enzyme. Beta-lactamase is an extremely broad term that refers to a group of enzymes that are capable of breaking down beta-lactam antibiotics, of which penicillin is one. Penicillin acylase is another term used to describe enzymes that can break down penicillin, while penicillinase enzyme is a general term that covers all types of penicillin-degrading enzymes. Regardless of which term is used, all of these enzymes share the same capability of rendering penicillin ineffective as a defense against bacterial infections.
