Microbiology I: Bacteria Shapes & Sizes

What are the three major shapes of bacteria?

What is the shape of bacteria that is spherical?

What is the shape of bacteria that is rod-shaped?

What term describes shapes that are in between cocci and bacilli?

What shape do vibrios exhibit?

Which of the following describes spirillia and spirochetes?

What is the term for loosely coiled bacteria?

What is the term for tightly coiled bacteria?

How are bacteria characterized?

What is the arrangement of bacteria found in pairs called?

What is the term for bacteria that form chains?

What is the term for bacteria that form grape-like clusters?

What is the term used to describe a sphere?

What are bacteria arranged into groups of two called?

What is the term used to describe a chain of spheres?

What is the shape of bacilli?

What type of bacteria are known as vibrios?

Bacterial Shapes

Bacteria can be categorized into three major shapes: spherical (cocci), rod-shaped (bacilli), and spiral (spirillia/spirochetes).
Cocci refer to spherical bacterial cells that are typically non-motile.
Bacilli are rod-shaped bacteria, notable for their elongated structure.
Coccobacilli represent a transitional shape between cocci and bacilli, appearing oval.
Vibrios are comma-shaped bacteria, which relate to the vibrio group.
Spirillia and spirochetes are long, thin, coiled rod-shaped bacteria divided into two subgroups:
- Spirillia are loosely coiled or wavy.
- Spirochetes are tightly coiled, resembling corkscrews.

Bacterial Arrangements

Diplococci denote cocci that are arranged in pairs.
Streptococci refer to cocci that form chains.
Staphylococci indicate cocci forming grape-like clusters.
These arrangements are further identified as:
- Diplo (pair)
- Strepto (chain)
- Staphylo (irregular cluster)
- Tetra (group of four)

Additional Terms

Bacteria's characteristics are primarily defined by their shape and size.
A coccus describes a spherical shape, while a bacillus refers specifically to rod-shaped bacteria.
Spirillia are categorized as rigid spiral rods, differentiated from spirochetes, which are non-rigid and spiral.
Understanding these shape classifications is vital for identifying and studying bacterial species.

This quiz focuses on the various shapes and sizes of bacteria, essential for understanding microbiology. Key terms include cocci, bacilli, and their variations. Test your knowledge with these flashcards and reinforce your learning in microbiology.