Which bacterial form is typically arranged in chains?

Which bacterial form is typically arranged in chains?

• A. Spirilla
• B. Bacilli
• C. Streptococci
• D. Cocci

Answer: (C)

Streptococci are cocci that divide in a single plane and remain attached after division, forming long chains. This chaining is a distinctive arrangement for this group, distinguishing them from other shapes. Spirilla are spiral-shaped and don’t form chains, while bacilli are rod-shaped and can appear singly or in short groupings but not the classic long chains. Cocci are spherical and typically occur as diplococci (pairs) or clusters, not in long chains. So the form typically arranged in chains is streptococci.

Streptococci are cocci that divide in a single plane and remain attached after division, forming long chains. This chaining is a distinctive arrangement for this group, distinguishing them from other shapes. Spirilla are spiral-shaped and don’t form chains, while bacilli are rod-shaped and can appear singly or in short groupings but not the classic long chains. Cocci are spherical and typically occur as diplococci (pairs) or clusters, not in long chains. So the form typically arranged in chains is streptococci.