Match the bacterial cell arrangement term with its meaning: staphylo- - grape-like cluster strepto- - chain diplo- - two sarcinae - four tetra- - four
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Based on the principles of microbiology, here is the correct matching for the bacterial cell arrangement terms:
staphylo-: grape-like cluster
strepto-: chain
diplo-: two
tetra-: four
sarcinae-: bundle
Explanation
In microbiology, the prefixes used to describe bacterial arrangements are crucial for identification and classification. These terms primarily relate to the appearance of cocci, or spherical bacteria, after cell division. The final arrangement is determined by the plane or planes in which the cells divide and whether they remain attached.
The prefix staphylo- corresponds to a grape-like cluster. This formation occurs when bacterial cells divide on multiple random planes. The resulting daughter cells stay clumped together in an irregular, three-dimensional cluster that strongly resembles a bunch of grapes. The genus Staphylococcus is a classic example of this arrangement.
Strepto- is derived from a word meaning “twisted chain,” and it accurately describes bacteria that form a chain. This linear arrangement happens when cells divide repeatedly along a single plane but do not separate, creating a line of connected cells. This is the characteristic formation of the genus Streptococcus.
Diplo- simply means two. This prefix is used for bacteria that remain in pairs after dividing. It is one of the most basic groupings and is a key feature of species such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which are known as diplococci.
The prefixes tetra- and sarcinae- describe more organized, geometric arrangements. Tetra- means four and is used for a flat, square group of four cells. This pattern is created when cells divide on two perpendicular planes. In contrast, sarcinae- describes a cubical bundle of eight or more cells. This three-dimensional packet is formed when cells divide on three perpendicular planes, creating a stack. Therefore, tetra- matches with four, while sarcinae- correctly matches with bundle.thumb_upthumb_down
