Mechanisms of Beta-lactamase Antibiotic Resistance

In the context of microbiology, it is essential to understand the mechanisms of resistance that bacteria develop against antibiotics. One critical pathway is mediated by enzymes that can inactivate or modify the antibiotic molecules. For example, beta-lactam antibiotics are a widely used group of antimicrobials that target bacterial cell wall synthesis. However, bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli can produce beta-lactamases, which hydrolyze the beta-lactam ring and render these antibiotics ineffective.

Which of the following statements best describes how beta-lactamase production contributes to antibiotic resistance?