Spherical bacteria, or cocci, are a group of bacteria with a round shape that can exist singly, in pairs, chains, or clusters. They are Gram positive and have thicker cell walls than other bacteria, making them resistant to heat destruction and desiccation. Common species include Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, which can cause various diseases.
Spherical bacteria are a group of bacteria characterized by a spherical shape, although they sometimes appear to be elongated or flat on one side. This group represents one of the three morphologies in which these organisms are structured, the other two being rod bacteria and spiral bacteria. Individually, these bacteria are known as coccus, collectively as cocci, and as a class coccoid. The most common specimens of spherical bacteria are Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, the latter capable of forming long chains.
In general, bacteria differ from other living organisms in that they are unicellular and lack mitochondria and chloroplasts. They can also thrive in a variety of environments, including very extreme conditions. However, spherical bacteria are unique because they can exist singly or in pairs, the latter called diplococci. They can also form chains of four (tetracocci), groups of eight or more (sarcinae), or arrange in clusters (staphylococci).
In addition to shape, bacteria are classified based on cell wall structure. Specifically, a distinction is made between having a plasma membrane or a plasma membrane with an outer membrane. The structure is determined by injecting an iodine dye in a test known as a Gram stain. Bacterial cells that retain the purple stain are said to be Gram positive. Spherical bacteria belong to this classification.
These bacteria can show up as aerobic or anaerobic organisms, labels that indicate whether oxygen is needed to survive. Because they are Gram positive, this type of bacteria resists heat destruction or desiccation. This is because they have thicker cell walls than other groups of bacteria. Unfortunately, this aspect offers some strains of spherical bacteria a defense from being attacked and destroyed by the body’s immune system.
Staphylococcus is found on the skin and in mucous membranes. While most species in this genus are completely harmless, some produce toxins that lead to disease. Food poisoning, for example, can be attributed to this species. Staphylococcus aureus is linked to toxic shock syndrome, S. epidermidis to urinary tract infections, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a particularly robust species that is easily transmissible in hospital wards. This type of bacteria is also the culprit of gonorrhea.
Strep is also found on the skin, as well as in the mouth and intestinal tract. Species belonging to this class of spherical bacteria are linked to pneumonia, endocarditis and meningitis. Because S. viridans is found in the mouth, it is responsible for most dental abscesses. Additionally, S. agalactiae infects about one-third of women of childbearing potential and can be transmitted to newborns during pregnancy.
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