Staphylococci are bacteria that form what arrangement?

Staphylococci are bacteria that form what arrangement?

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

Answer: (A)

Staphylococci form clusters because these spherical bacteria divide in multiple planes and the daughter cells remain attached, creating grape‑like, irregular clumps. This clustering is a hallmark of Staphylococcus species. In contrast, chains come from division in a single plane (as with streptococci), pairs from division that yields two remained together (diplococci), and spirals are a different shape altogether (spirilla or spirochetes).

Staphylococci form clusters because these spherical bacteria divide in multiple planes and the daughter cells remain attached, creating grape‑like, irregular clumps. This clustering is a hallmark of Staphylococcus species. In contrast, chains come from division in a single plane (as with streptococci), pairs from division that yields two remained together (diplococci), and spirals are a different shape altogether (spirilla or spirochetes).