β-Lactams are a class of antibiotics that contain a β-lactam ring in their molecular structure. This ring is crucial for their antibacterial activity, as it interferes with the synthesis of bacterial cell walls, ultimately leading to cell death. Common examples of β-lactams include penicillin, cephalosporins, and carbapenems. These antibiotics are widely used to treat various bacterial infections due to their effectiveness and relatively low toxicity. However, some bacteria have developed resistance to β-lactams, often through the production of enzymes called β-lactamases, which can break down the antibiotic and render it ineffective.