Sequence of the OXA2 β‐lactamase: comparison with other penicillin‐reactive enzymes

Abstract
The nucleotide sequence of the unusual plasmid‐mediated OXA2 β‐lactamase is presented, and compared with other β‐lactamases. The OXA2 enzyme has similar features at the presumed active site, but no other significant regions ofhomology with other penicillin‐reactive enzymes. The active site homology may therefore represent convergent evolution of otherwise dissimilar genes.