Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

What characteristic formations can individual bacteria create?

1. Chains, clusters, or plates

2. Pairs, rings, or spirals

3. Chains, pairs, or clusters

4. Single cells or sheets

The correct answer is: Chains, pairs, or clusters

Bacteria can form a variety of arrangements based on how they divide and adhere to one another. The characteristic formations include chains, pairs, and clusters. When certain types of bacteria divide, they may do so in a manner that results in them remaining attached to one another. This leads to the formation of chains, which is commonly seen in genera such as Streptococcus. When two bacteria come together following division, they can form pairs, often referred to as diplococci. Additionally, some bacteria can form clusters as seen in staphylococci, where the cells divide in multiple planes and remain grouped together. This understanding of bacterial formations is critical in microbiology, as the morphology and arrangement can influence both identification and the behavior of the bacteria in terms of pathogenicity and response to treatment.