Cocci that form irregular groups or clusters are called

Cocci that form irregular groups or clusters are called

• A. Streptococci
• B. Staphylococci
• C. Diplococci
• D. Micrococci

Answer: (B)

Cocci that form irregular groups or clusters are described as staphylococci because their cells divide in multiple planes and remain attached, creating grape‑like clusters. The term “staphylo” comes from a root meaning a bunch of grapes, which matches this clumped appearance. This is different from streptococci, which grow in long chains due to division in one plane, and from diplococci, which stay paired. Micrococci are small cocci that can appear alone, in pairs, or in tetrads or loose clusters, but the classic grape‑like clumps are characteristic of staphylococci.

Cocci that form irregular groups or clusters are described as staphylococci because their cells divide in multiple planes and remain attached, creating grape‑like clusters. The term “staphylo” comes from a root meaning a bunch of grapes, which matches this clumped appearance. This is different from streptococci, which grow in long chains due to division in one plane, and from diplococci, which stay paired. Micrococci are small cocci that can appear alone, in pairs, or in tetrads or loose clusters, but the classic grape‑like clumps are characteristic of staphylococci.