Coccus
Coccus
Coccus (pronunciation: /ˈkɒkəs/) is a term used in microbiology to describe bacteria that have a spherical, ovoid, or generally round shape. It is one of the three primary shapes of bacteria, the other two being bacillus (rod-shaped) and spirillum (spiral-shaped).
Etymology
The term "coccus" comes from the Greek word "kokkos" which means "berry". It was first used in the late 19th century to describe the shape of certain bacteria.
Types of Coccus Bacteria
There are several types of coccus bacteria, including:
- Staphylococcus: These are usually found in clusters like grapes. They are responsible for various diseases such as skin infections, respiratory diseases, and food poisoning.
- Streptococcus: These are found in chains or pairs and can cause diseases such as strep throat, rheumatic fever, and scarlet fever.
- Neisseria: These are typically found in pairs (diplococci) and are responsible for diseases such as gonorrhea and meningitis.
Related Terms
- Gram Stain: A method used to classify bacteria into two large groups (Gram-positive and Gram-negative).
- Microbiology: The study of microscopic organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, archaea, fungi, and protozoa.
- Pathogen: A bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Coccus
- Wikipedia's article - Coccus
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