Under a microscope, which bacteria appear in grapelike clusters?

Under a microscope, which bacteria appear in grapelike clusters?

• A. Bacilli
• B. Diplococci
• C. Staphylococci
• D. Streptococci

Answer: (C)

Bacterial cell arrangement under the microscope reflects how the cells divide. When cocci divide in multiple planes and pile up in irregular, grape-like groups, that pattern is characteristic of Staphylococcus species. In contrast, bacilli are rod-shaped and don’t form grape clusters; diplococci appear as paired cocci; and streptococci form long chains due to division in one plane repeatedly. So seeing grape-like clusters points to Staphylococcus.

Bacterial cell arrangement under the microscope reflects how the cells divide. When cocci divide in multiple planes and pile up in irregular, grape-like groups, that pattern is characteristic of Staphylococcus species. In contrast, bacilli are rod-shaped and don’t form grape clusters; diplococci appear as paired cocci; and streptococci form long chains due to division in one plane repeatedly. So seeing grape-like clusters points to Staphylococcus.