What is the CORRECT morphologic name for bacteria that have no defined cell shape?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

First, consider the question: What is the CORRECT morphologic name for bacteria that have no defined cell shape?
Option A: Staphylococci. This term refers to grape-like clusters of cocci, a defined spherical shape, so it does not describe bacteria without a defined shape.
Option B: Diplococci. This describes pairs of cocci, indicating a recognizable morphology, not pleomorphism or lack of shape.
Option C: Sarcinae. This describes cubical groups of eight or more cocci arranged in a specific tetrad-like pattern, again implying a defined arrangement and shape, not a shapeless variety.
Option D: Pleomorphic. The term pleomorphic is used to describe organisms that vary in shape or size and lack a single, uniform morphology, which matches bacteria with no defined cell shape.
To further solidify understanding, recall that bacterial morphology terms are tied to typical, consistent shapes (cocci, bacilli, spirilla) or to variability in shape; when variability or absence of a consistent shape is noted, pleomorphic is the appropriate descriptor.
In summary, the options that describe specific, well-defined morphologies (A, B, C) do not fit the concept of lacking a defined shape, whereas option D directly corresponds to cells that can assume multiple shapes, making it the correct descriptor for pleomorphism.

What is the CORRECT morphologic name for bacteria that have no defined cell shape?

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What is the CORRECT morphologic name for bacteria that have no defined cell shape?

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