Which bacteria form a chain?

Which bacteria form a chain?

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

Answer: (C)

Understanding how bacteria arrange themselves after division helps explain why one group forms chains. Streptococci are spherical bacteria that divide in a single plane and remain attached end-to-end, producing long chains. That chain formation is directly reflected in their name. Spirilla are spiral-shaped and do not form chains. Staphylococci divide in multiple planes and arrange in grape-like clusters rather than chains. Bacilli are rod-shaped and can form various arrangements, but the classic chain-forming pattern is best described by streptococci.

Understanding how bacteria arrange themselves after division helps explain why one group forms chains. Streptococci are spherical bacteria that divide in a single plane and remain attached end-to-end, producing long chains. That chain formation is directly reflected in their name. Spirilla are spiral-shaped and do not form chains. Staphylococci divide in multiple planes and arrange in grape-like clusters rather than chains. Bacilli are rod-shaped and can form various arrangements, but the classic chain-forming pattern is best described by streptococci.