Dental Assistant Practice Exam

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What is the characteristic shape of bacilli?

Spiral
Round
Rod
Flat

The correct answer is: Rod

Bacilli are characterized by their rod shape, distinguishing them from other types of bacteria. This elongated, cylindrical form allows bacilli to be easily identified under a microscope and is significant in the classification of bacteria. The rod shape contributes to their ability to form biofilms and can impact their movement and colonization strategies in various environments. In contrast, spiral bacteria would display a corkscrew shape, while round bacteria are known as cocci and are spherical. Flat shapes do not typically describe any common bacterial form and are not used in the classification of bacteria. Thus, the identification of bacilli as rod-shaped is crucial in microbiology for understanding their properties and behaviors.