Bacterial Anatomy Shapes and Sizes

What are the three shapes of bacteria mentioned in the text?

What is the size range of most bacteria according to the text?

Which component provides structural support and maintains the characteristic shape of a bacterial cell?

Which bacteria are bounded by a cell membrane, not a cell wall?

What are the three patterns in which cocci can be arranged?

Which of the following diseases is commonly associated with Escherichia coli?

What is the habitat of Escherichia coli?

How is Escherichia coli acquired during birth in neonatal meningitis?

What type of colonies does Escherichia coli form on Eosin-Methylene Blue (EMB) or MacConkey’s agar?

How can Escherichia coli be differentiated from other lactose-positive organisms in laboratory diagnosis?

Which of the following diseases is commonly associated with Escherichia coli?

What is the habitat of Escherichia coli?

How is Escherichia coli acquired during birth in neonatal meningitis?

What type of colonies does Escherichia coli form on Eosin-Methylene Blue (EMB) or MacConkey’s agar?

What are the characteristics of Escherichia coli?

Bacterial Shapes and Size

Bacteria exhibit three main shapes: cocci (spherical), bacilli (rod-shaped), and spirilla (spiral).
Most bacteria range in size from 0.2 to 10 micrometers in diameter, allowing them to be viewed under a microscope.

Structural Components

The cell wall provides structural support and maintains the characteristic shape of a bacterial cell.

Cell Structure

Bacteria that are bounded only by a cell membrane and lack a cell wall are typically categorized as Mycoplasma.

Cocci Arrangements

Cocci can be arranged in three patterns: singles (scattered), pairs (diplococci), and clusters (staphylococci).

Escherichia coli and Diseases

Escherichia coli is commonly associated with diseases such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and foodborne illnesses.
Habitats for Escherichia coli include the intestines of humans and animals, where it usually resides as part of the normal flora.

Transmission in Neonates

In neonatal meningitis, Escherichia coli can be acquired during birth, particularly when it passes through the birth canal.

Colony Formation

On Eosin-Methylene Blue (EMB) or MacConkey’s agar, Escherichia coli forms distinctive colonies that can appear dark and metallic green on EMB and pink on MacConkey’s agar due to lactose fermentation.

Laboratory Differentiation

Escherichia coli can be differentiated from other lactose-positive organisms through its unique growth patterns and biochemical reactions, such as producing indole.

Characteristics of Escherichia coli

Escherichia coli is a rod-shaped, facultative anaerobe that ferments lactose and produces gas, contributing to its classification in laboratories.
Strains of Escherichia coli can vary, with some being pathogenic and others being harmless, highlighting the importance of identifying specific strains for diagnosis.

Test your knowledge on the shapes and sizes of bacteria with this quiz prepared by Dr. Omar Aljumaili. Learn about cocci, bacilli, and spirochetes, as well as their arrangements in pairs, chains, and clusters.