Morphology

Definition

Morphology refers to the study of the form and structure of organisms. In microbiology, it particularly focuses on the shapes, sizes, and arrangements of prokaryotic cells.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Prokaryotic cell morphology can be classified into several shapes: cocci (spherical), bacilli (rod-shaped), spirilla (spiral-shaped), and vibrios (comma-shaped).
2. The arrangement of prokaryotic cells includes pairs (diplo-), chains (strepto-), clusters (staphylo-), and palisades.
3. Cell wall composition significantly influences bacterial morphology; for example, Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer that affects their shape.
4. Flagella, pili, and other external structures can also impact the morphology and motility of prokaryotic cells.
5. Morphological characteristics are crucial for identifying and classifying different types of bacteria in microbiological studies.

Review Questions

• What are the main shapes used to classify prokaryotic cell morphology?
• How does cell wall composition affect bacterial morphology?
• Why is understanding bacterial morphology important in microbiology?

Related terms

Cytoplasm:

The gel-like substance within the cell membrane that contains all organelles and cell parts.

Peptidoglycan:

A polymer consisting of sugars and amino acids that forms a mesh-like layer outside the plasma membrane of most bacteria.

Flagella:

Long, thread-like appendages that provide locomotion to certain prokaryotic cells.