Which shape describes cocci?

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Multiple Choice

Which shape describes cocci?

Explanation:
Cocci are spherical bacteria. The term cocci describes round, ball-like cells, so the shape described is spherical. In contrast, rod-shaped bacteria are called bacilli, spiral-shaped bacteria are spirilla or spirochetes, and comma-shaped bacteria are vibrios. Cocci can occur as single cells, in pairs (diplococci), in chains (streptococci), or in clusters (staphylococci), which helps in recognizing them on stained slides and guiding further identification in the lab.

Cocci are spherical bacteria. The term cocci describes round, ball-like cells, so the shape described is spherical. In contrast, rod-shaped bacteria are called bacilli, spiral-shaped bacteria are spirilla or spirochetes, and comma-shaped bacteria are vibrios. Cocci can occur as single cells, in pairs (diplococci), in chains (streptococci), or in clusters (staphylococci), which helps in recognizing them on stained slides and guiding further identification in the lab.

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