Aliquot and freeze at -20 deg C for long term storage. Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles.
Biohazard Information
This product contains sodium azide as preservative. Although the amount of sodium azide is very small appropriate care must be taken when handling this product.
General Information
Biological Significance
Beta-lactamases (such a penicillinase) are enzymes produced by some bacteria and are responsible for their resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics like penicillins, cephamycins, and carbapenems (ertapenem). (Cephalosporins are relatively resistant to beta-lactamase.) These antibiotics have a common element in their molecular structure: a four-atom ring known as a beta-lactam. The lactamase enzyme breaks that ring open, deactivating the molecule's antibacterial properties.