Illnesses such as typhoid and cystitis are caused by bacilli strains. Spirilla Bacteria: This type of bacteria is a genus of spiral-shaped bacteria that are gram-negative and flagellated. Bacteria types Bacilli shaped like a rod with a length of around 0.03mm. There are three basic bacterial shapes: Spheres or ball-shaped (cocci bacteria). Other strains of Vibrio bacteria are non-cholera strains and cause other types of illnesses. Another way scientists classify bacteria is by their shape. A common example of this species is Vibrio cholera, the causative agent of Cholera. Being kept in one place, the resulting cells have accumulated to form a visible patch. The shape of the bacteria resembles a comma. Colour (pigmentation) – for example, white, buff, red, purple, etc.Įach distinct colony represents an individual bacterial cell or group that has divided repeatedly.Opacity – for example, transparent (clear), opaque, translucent (like looking through frosted glass), etc.Surface – how does the surface of the colony appear? For example, smooth, glistening, rough, wrinkled or dull.What is the magnified shape of the edge of the colony? Elevation – this describes the side view of a colony.Tiny colonies are referred to as punctiform. Form – what is the basic shape of the colony? For example, circular, filamentous, etc.A specific terminology is used to describe common colony types. Handling the paper would transfer the resident bacteria from a person's hand to the paper.ĭifferent types of bacteria will produce different-looking colonies, some colonies may be coloured, some colonies are circular in shape, and others are irregular. they are just passing the time until a better place to live comes along. The bacteria found on the paper are know as transient i.e. Paper is not a good object for bacteria to live on as it cannot sustain their growth. A streak plate to isolate single colonies of a specific bacterium found living on a sample of paper.

Common bacteria shapes