Final answer:
The antibiotic class that matches this description is Cephalosporins (B). They belong to the β-lactam class, are more resistant to B-lactamase due to their structural differences from penicillins, and have a broader spectrum that includes more gram-negative bacteria.
Step-by-step explanation:
The class of antibiotics that inhibits cell wall synthesis, can cause allergic reactions, is more resistant to B-lactamase, and has a broader spectrum, accounting for about 37% of all antibiotics produced, is Cephalosporins (B). Cephalosporins, like penicillins, are a part of the β-lactams class and contain a β-lactam ring that blocks the transpeptidase activity of penicillin-binding proteins. However, cephalosporins have an increased resistance to enzymatic inactivation by B-lactamases due to the presence of a six-member ring attached to the β-lactam ring, and they possess two R groups allowing for greater chemical variability. This class has been developed into several generations, with the newer ones having an expanded spectrum of activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
These antibiotics operate by inhibiting the synthesis of peptidoglycan, crucial for the bacterial cell wall, leading to cell lysis and death in bacteria. It's important to note that cephalosporins are distinct from penicillins, which also inhibit cell wall synthesis but tend to be less resistant to B-lactamases and have a somewhat narrower spectrum of activity, despite sharing the core β-lactam structure characteristic of this antibacterial class. Furthermore, certain individuals may be allergic to β-lactam antibiotics such as penicillins, necessitating the use of other antibiotic classes like cephalosporins or, if necessary, carbapenems and monobactams.