What term is used to describe bacteria that have a spiral shape?

The term used to describe bacteria that have a spiral shape is "spirillus." Bacteria are classified into different shapes, and spirillus specifically refers to those that exhibit a corkscrew or spiral form. This shape can influence the movement of the bacteria, often allowing them to navigate through viscous environments.

In contrast, bacillus refers to rod-shaped bacteria, coccus indicates spherical-shaped bacteria, and staphylococcus is a specific arrangement of cocci where the bacteria cluster together in a spherical formation resembling bunches of grapes. Understanding these classifications is crucial in microbiology, as the shape of bacteria can provide insights into their behavior, ecology, and roles in various environments.