What is a characteristic of Cocci bacteria?

Cocci bacteria are characterized by their spherical shape. This distinctive morphology means they typically appear as single cells or can cluster together in various formations depending on how they divide. These formations can include pairs (diplococci), chains (streptococci), or clusters (staphylococci). Understanding the shape of different bacteria is vital for microbiology, as it aids in identification and can impact their behavior and interaction with the environment, including how they respond to antibiotics.

In contrast, rod-shaped bacteria are referred to as bacilli, while spiral-shaped bacteria are known as spirilla or spirochetes. Elongated bacteria, simply put, do not fall under the cocci classification. Recognizing these characteristics allows for a better grasp of bacterial classification and their implications in health and disease.