Which shape are spiral-shaped bacteria?

Which shape are spiral-shaped bacteria?

• A. Cocci
• B. Bacilli
• C. Spirilla
• D. Vibrio

Answer: (C)

Spirilla are the bacteria with a rigid, spiral or helical shape. This winding form is what makes them look like a twisted rod under the microscope, often with flagella that help them move. In contrast, cocci are spherical, bacilli are rod-shaped, and vibrio are curved like a comma. (Spirochetes are another type of spiral bacteria, but they are typically more flexible and have a different motion. The common term for a spiral-shaped bacterium in basic classifications is spirilla.)

Spirilla are the bacteria with a rigid, spiral or helical shape. This winding form is what makes them look like a twisted rod under the microscope, often with flagella that help them move. In contrast, cocci are spherical, bacilli are rod-shaped, and vibrio are curved like a comma. (Spirochetes are another type of spiral bacteria, but they are typically more flexible and have a different motion. The common term for a spiral-shaped bacterium in basic classifications is spirilla.)