What is spherical bacterium?

Spherical bacteria, or cocci, are bacteria that are shaped like spheres. They are one of the three basic shapes of bacteria, along with rod-shaped (bacilli) and spiral-shaped (spirilla). Some examples of spherical bacteria include Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Neisseria species.

Spherical bacteria can be found in a variety of environments, including soil, water, and on a wide range of host organisms. They can cause a range of illnesses in animals and humans, ranging from benign infections to serious diseases such as pneumonia, meningitis, and septicemia.

Some spherical bacteria are capable of forming clusters or chains, while others may occur singly or in pairs. The surface of the cocci may be smooth or rough, and may be surrounded by a protective glycocalyx or capsule.

Spherical bacteria have a variety of metabolic pathways, with some being aerobic (requiring oxygen), others being anaerobic (living without oxygen), and still others being facultative (able to switch between aerobic and anaerobic metabolism).

Overall, spherical bacteria play important roles in various ecological niches, including soil, water, and the human microbiome.