Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
A coccus (plural cocci, from the Latin coccinus (scarlet) and derived from the Greek kokkos (berry)), is any microorganism (usually bacteria) [1] whose overall shape is spherical or nearly spherical. [2] [3] [4] Coccus refers to the shape of the bacteria and can contain multiple genera, such as staphylococci or streptococci. Cocci can grow in ...
Their shape is necessary for them to shuttle down into the ocean sediments to find more sulfide and nitrate. [24] In contrast, Thiomargarita grow in rows of separate single spherical cells, so they lack the range of motility that Thioploca and Beggiota have. [23] Thiomargarita can also grow in barrel-like shapes.
Streptococcus is a genus of gram-positive or spherical bacteria that belongs to the family Streptococcaceae, within the order Lactobacillales (lactic acid bacteria), in the phylum Bacillota. [2] Cell division in streptococci occurs along a single axis , thus when growing they tend to form pairs or chains, which may appear bent or twisted.
A small number of other unusual shapes have been described, such as star-shaped bacteria. [47] This wide variety of shapes is determined by the bacterial cell wall and cytoskeleton and is important because it can influence the ability of bacteria to acquire nutrients, attach to surfaces, swim through liquids and escape predators. [48] [49]
Bacterial morphological plasticity refers to changes in the shape and size that bacterial cells undergo when they encounter stressful environments. Although bacteria have evolved complex molecular strategies to maintain their shape, many are able to alter their shape as a survival strategy in response to protist predators, antibiotics, the immune response, and other threats.
Cell shape is generally characteristic of a given bacterial species, but can vary depending on growth conditions. Some bacteria have complex life cycles involving the production of stalks and appendages (e.g. Caulobacter) and some produce elaborate structures bearing reproductive spores (e.g. Myxococcus, Streptomyces).
The rod-shaped epibiotic bacteria are 3–5 μm long, while the spherical-shaped bacteria are an order of magnitude smaller and have a diameter of 0.6 μm, with both found to be associated with the cell membrane of the Bihospites host cells. The rod-shaped epibionts form bands along the cell with rows of spherical-shaped epibionts arranged ...
Staphylococcus is a genus of Gram-positive bacteria in the family Staphylococcaceae from the order Bacillales. Under the microscope, they appear spherical , and form in grape-like clusters. Staphylococcus species are facultative anaerobic organisms (capable of growth both aerobically and anaerobically).