The interaction between the exocellular DD-carboxypeptidase-transpeptidase of Streptomyces R61 and beta-lactam antibiotics is a multistep process during which a rather stable enzyme - antibiotic complex is formed. This mechanism of interaction is compatible with Lineweaver-Burk plots that are typical of a competitive inhibition of the hydrolysis of the peptide donor by the antibiotic. In fact, however, the same Lineweaver-Burk plots can be obtained on the basis of a non-competitive type of inhibition. At present, a choice between the two models cannot be made.