JAMB 2017 Biology · Question 47

A bacteria that is spherically shaped is called?

Options

  1. A.diplobacillus
  2. B.coccus
  3. C.bacillus
  4. D.vibrio

Answer: B. coccus

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks for the name given to bacteria that are spherical (round, ball-like) in shape.

Step 2: Explain the concept Bacteria are classified by shape. The main types are:

| Shape | Name | Example | |---|---|---| | Spherical / round | Coccus (plural: cocci) | Streptococcus, Staphylococcus | | Rod-shaped | Bacillus (plural: bacilli) | Bacillus anthracis | | Comma-shaped | Vibrio | Vibrio cholerae (causes cholera) | | Spiral / corkscrew | Spirillum | Spirillum minus |

Step 3: Check each option

  • A. Diplobacillus: rod-shaped bacteria that occur in pairs (diplo = double, bacillus = rod). Not spherical.
  • B. Coccus: spherical or round bacteria. Correct.
  • C. Bacillus: rod-shaped. Not spherical.
  • D. Vibrio: comma-shaped. Not spherical.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is B. coccus.

Exam tip: Link the word to its shape: Coccus = Circle (round), Bacillus = Bar or rod, Vibrio = V-like comma. Also, prefixes tell you the arrangement: diplo- means pairs, strepto- means chains, and staphylo- means clusters. So diplococcus is round cells in pairs, while diplobacillus is rods in pairs.

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