Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

What shape is associated with bacillus bacteria?

1. Spiral

2. Rod-like

3. Oval

4. Square

The correct answer is: Rod-like

The shape associated with bacillus bacteria is rod-like. This characteristic morphology is distinctive because bacillus bacteria are elongated and cylindrical, resembling rods. This rod-shaped structure is significant in microbiology as it helps in the identification and classification of various bacterial species. Bacillus can also refer to a specific genus of bacteria, which are known for forming spores and are important in both environmental and clinical contexts. In terms of bacterial morphology, understanding the shape is crucial since it can affect the organism’s behavior, growth conditions, and response to antibiotics. The other shapes listed, such as spiral or oval, pertain to different types of bacteria, like spirilla and cocci, respectively, but do not apply to bacilli. The square shape is not a recognized form in typical bacterial classification.