What is the shape of cocci bacteria?

Cocci bacteria are characterized by their spherical shape. This distinct morphology allows them to be easily identified under a microscope. The term "coccus" is derived from the Greek word for "berry," which aptly describes their round appearance. Cocci can exist as single cells or in arrangements such as clusters, pairs, or chains, demonstrating a variety of formation patterns based on their reproduction and cellular division.

In contrast, other bacterial shapes are categorized differently: rod-shaped bacteria are known as bacilli, spiral bacteria exhibit a corkscrew-like shape, and filamentous bacteria are long and thread-like. Understanding the shape of cocci is important in microbiology and clinical settings, as it can aid in the identification and classification of bacterial species, as well as influence their pathogenicity and the methods used to control infections.