The discussion revolves around the natural targets of beta-lactamase enzymes, particularly in the context of their evolutionary origins and the specific organisms involved. Participants explore the relationship between bacteria and the antibiotic compounds produced by fungi, as well as the development of resistance in bacteria.
Participants generally agree on the relationship between beta-lactamase and beta-lactam antibiotics, but there is disagreement regarding the feasibility of identifying specific ancestral examples and the focus on current cases of resistance.
The discussion highlights limitations in identifying specific species and relationships due to the historical and evolutionary complexities involved, as well as the challenges in tracing the origins of beta-lactam compounds.
Actually I was looking for a specific example.Ygggdrasil said:Remember that penicillin was originally derived from a fungus. There are plenty of organisms in nature that produce antibiotic compounds from which the bacteria need to defend themselves.
Ahmed Abdullah said:Actually I was looking for a specific example.
bobze said:He was specific. Beta-lactamase attacks beta-lactam rings. Which forms the backbone of penicillins produced by fungi. Something bacteria would need to defend themselves against.
If you are asking what was the specific fungi beta-lactam that bacteria evolved beta-lactamases to that is a silly question. Molecules don't fossilize so there is no reason we should expect to ever know the exact ancestral beta-lactam.