A bacterium acquires a plasmid that encodes for an enzyme capable of hydrolyzing the beta-lactam ring of penicillin. This mechanism of resistance is an example of which of the following?

✓ Correct Answer: Option C

The hydrolysis of the beta-lactam ring by enzymes like beta-lactamase (penicillinase) directly inactivates the antibiotic. This is a common mechanism of resistance to penicillin and cephalosporins via enzymatic degradation.