Bulletin 118

Bacteria Morphology

There are three morphological types, namely:

 1.      Coccus - These round cells may separate after cell division, or they may remain attached to produce a chain or cluster of cocci.  Thus:

1. Streptococci produce chains
2. Staphylococci produce clusters

Cocci do not produce spores.

2.      Rod - There are many kinds of rod shaped bacteria including:

1. Salmonella are rod types which cause food poisoning.  This type does not produce spores and is killed by boiling, pasteurization and ultraviolet germicidal exposure.
2. The "rope" bacillus is also a rod type and produces spores, which are very heat resistant.

 3.      Spiral - These types can cause diseases (e.g. syphilis).