Dental Assistant Practice Exam

What shape describes cocci?

1. Rod-shaped

2. Spiral-shaped

3. Spherical, resembling small beads

4. Thread-like

The correct answer is: Spherical, resembling small beads

Cocci are described as spherical bacteria, resembling small beads. This shape is characterized by their round appearance, which can vary from single cells to clusters. The classification of bacteria by shape is an essential aspect of microbiology, as it can influence their behavior, pathogenicity, and how they react to certain treatments. The spherical shape of cocci allows for a unique arrangement in different forms, such as chains (streptococci) or grapelike clusters (staphylococci), which can be important for identification in laboratory settings. Understanding the shape of cocci is crucial for dental assistants, as it is often relevant in the context of oral bacteria and infections that may arise in the dental field. Other bacterial forms, such as rod-shaped (bacilli) and spiral-shaped (spirilla), denote different categories entirely, highlighting the importance of accurately identifying cocci as spherical.