Streptococci are bacteria that form which arrangement?

Streptococci are bacteria that form which arrangement?

• A. Clusters
• B. Pairs
• C. Chains
• D. Rows

Answer: (C)

Streptococci form chains because after they divide, the cells tend to stay attached in one dimension rather than separating into single cells or clustering in groups. Each new cell divides in the same plane, creating a long string of cocci that look like beads on a chain. This chain formation helps distinguish them from other cocci arrangements: staphylococci divide in multiple planes and form clusters, while diplococci appear as pairs when two cells remain together. So the chain arrangement is a hallmark trait of streptococci.

Streptococci form chains because after they divide, the cells tend to stay attached in one dimension rather than separating into single cells or clustering in groups. Each new cell divides in the same plane, creating a long string of cocci that look like beads on a chain. This chain formation helps distinguish them from other cocci arrangements: staphylococci divide in multiple planes and form clusters, while diplococci appear as pairs when two cells remain together. So the chain arrangement is a hallmark trait of streptococci.