What shape is referred to as coccus in bacterial morphology?

Coccus refers to a specific type of bacterial morphology that is characterized by a spherical shape. Bacteria can take on various shapes, which are critical for classification and understanding their characteristics. The term "coccus" is derived from the Greek word "kokkos," meaning "berry," which aptly describes the round appearance of these bacteria.

In addition to spherical cocci, bacterial shapes can include rods, often referred to as bacilli, as well as spiral shapes known as spirilla or spirochetes, and filamentous forms. Understanding these morphological differences is fundamental in microbiology, as they can influence bacterial behavior, ecological roles, and interactions with host organisms.