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What is a characteristic of bacilli bacteria?
They are spiral-shaped
They are rod-shaped
They are spherical
They have no shape
The correct answer is: They are rod-shaped
Bacilli bacteria are characterized by their rod-shaped structure. This distinct shape is a key feature that differentiates them from other types of bacteria, such as cocci, which are spherical, and spirilla, which are spiral-shaped. The rod shape of bacilli allows for various arrangements depending on how the cells divide and group together, leading to formations such as chains or single cells. In contrast to bacilli, spiral-shaped bacteria are represented by the ones known as spirilla, while spherical bacteria are referred to as cocci. The option indicating no shape is incorrect since all bacteria have defined shapes that fall into specific categories. Understanding these characteristics is essential not only in microbiology but also in the practical aspects of barbering, such as maintaining sanitation and health standards to prevent bacterial infections.