Which term describes round-shaped bacteria?

Which term describes round-shaped bacteria?

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

Answer: (A)

Round-shaped bacteria are called cocci. This term refers to spherical or nearly spherical bacterial cells. Under the microscope, cocci appear round, whereas other common shapes include bacilli, which are rod-shaped; spirilla, which are spiral-shaped; and vibrio, which are curved or comma-shaped rods. Recognizing that round cells are cocci helps you distinguish them from these other forms and understand how they might appear in clinical samples or under sanitation and infection-control considerations in a PMU setting.

Round-shaped bacteria are called cocci. This term refers to spherical or nearly spherical bacterial cells. Under the microscope, cocci appear round, whereas other common shapes include bacilli, which are rod-shaped; spirilla, which are spiral-shaped; and vibrio, which are curved or comma-shaped rods. Recognizing that round cells are cocci helps you distinguish them from these other forms and understand how they might appear in clinical samples or under sanitation and infection-control considerations in a PMU setting.