This document discusses beta-lactam antibiotics and the mechanisms of bacterial resistance against them. It describes how beta-lactam antibiotics work by targeting the bacterial cell wall. However, bacteria have developed resistance by producing beta-lactamase enzymes that break down the antibiotics. To overcome this, beta-lactam antibiotics now team up with beta-lactamase inhibitors which bind to the enzymes and prevent antibiotic breakdown, forming an effective combination. Researchers are continuously working to develop new generations of beta-lactam antibiotics that can overcome evolving bacterial resistance.