University of Central Florida (UCF) MCB3020C General Microbiology Lab Midterm Practice Exam

Streptococci are a type of spherical bacteria characterized by their tendency to divide in one plane, which leads to the formation of chains of cells connected end to end. This arrangement is a distinctive feature of streptococci and results from their method of binary fission, where the daughter cells remain attached to one another after division. This chain arrangement can vary in length, displaying anywhere from just a few cells to longer chains, depending on the species and growth conditions. As a result, when identifying streptococci under a microscope or in culture, recognizing this arrangement as chains is crucial for accurate classification and understanding of these microorganisms.