Structure of Cocci

Cocci Bacteria

The word cocci originated from the Greek word kokkos, meaning seed or berry. Bacteria with round, ovoid, and spherical shapes are called cocci bacteria. They belong to various genera, such as staphylococci or streptococci. They can grow in clusters, pairs, or chains depending on their attachment and position during cell division. Most cocci bacteria do not have flagella and are non-motile. Cocci bacteria are present in a variety of species and they are identified and classified based on their morphology or configuration. Some cocci bacteria cause infection and diseases while others are useful in various processes like fermentation and food production....

Examples of Cocci Bacteria

Some example of cocci bacteria are given below:...

Types of Cocci Bacteria

Cocci after cell division are present either as single cells or remain attached. Those cocci bacteria that remain attached are categorized based on their cellular arrangement and characteristics. These arrangements help in their classification and identification. The various types of cocci are as follows:...

Structure of Cocci

Cocci bacteria vary in size from 0.5 to 2 micrometers in diameter. They are round or spherical in shape. Their structure consists of cell wall which consists of thick peptidoglycan layers that provides structural support and protection. After the cell wall, a cell membrane or plasma membrane is present that surrounds the cytoplasm,a site for various essential cellular processes. The DNA is located in the nucleoid, as cocci bacteria lack a true nucleus. Some cocci bacteria may contain plasmids, small circular pieces of DNA. Optional features include a protective capsule, flagella for motility, and pili for attachment or other functions....

Gram Positive Bacteria and Gram Negative Bacteria

Group of bacteria that are positive for gram staining or turns violet are called gram positive bacteria. They share same morphology and have a thick peptidoglycan cell wall, which retains the crystal violet stain during the Gram staining process. Unliken gram negavtive bacteria they lack outer membrane. Gram-positive bacteria include Staphylococcus aureus that is causes disease in humans like skin infection, Streptococcus pyogenes causes strep throat, and Clostridium difficile causes colitis. There certain beneficial species of cocci bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium that form an important part of human gut microbiome and are used in various food processes....

Diseases Caused by Cocci Bacteria

Cocci are major human pathogen and cause various infections that are described below:...

FAQ’s – Cocci Bacteria

1. What are Coccobacilli?...