Cocci and bacilli describe what characteristic of bacteria?

Cocci and bacilli describe what characteristic of bacteria?

• A. Shape
• B. Color
• C. Size
• D. Mobility

Answer: (A)

Cocci and bacilli describe the shape of bacteria. Cocci are spherical, while bacilli are rod-shaped, which is a matter of morphology—the physical form you can observe under the microscope. Color comes from staining methods and doesn’t define shape, size varies regardless of shape, and mobility depends on structures like flagella and is not what these terms convey. So the terms cocci and bacilli are best understood as descriptors of bacterial shape.

Cocci and bacilli describe the shape of bacteria. Cocci are spherical, while bacilli are rod-shaped, which is a matter of morphology—the physical form you can observe under the microscope. Color comes from staining methods and doesn’t define shape, size varies regardless of shape, and mobility depends on structures like flagella and is not what these terms convey. So the terms cocci and bacilli are best understood as descriptors of bacterial shape.