How do streptococci arrange themselves after division?

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Prepare for the UCF General Microbiology Lab Midterm Exam. Study using flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Streptococci are known to arrange themselves in chains following cell division, which is a result of their binary fission process where daughter cells remain attached to one another. This arrangement occurs because the cells divide along one axis and do not separate completely, leading to a linear formation that characterizes their growth pattern.

The chain formation in streptococci can be attributed to their specific type of growth and division, which is influenced by the structure of their cell wall and the mechanism of cell division. They belong to the family of bacteria that typically exhibit this chain configuration, distinguishing them from other bacterial groups that may arrange themselves differently, such as staphylococci, which form clusters, or diplococci, which appear in pairs.

Understanding this arrangement is important in microbiology, as it helps in the identification of bacterial species based on their morphological characteristics.