β-lactams are a class of antibiotics characterized by a core structure known as the β-lactam ring. This ring is essential 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 before it can act on the bacteria.