What shape do cocci bacteria have?

Cocci bacteria are characterized by a round shape. They are one of the major classifications of bacteria based on their morphology, which also includes bacilli (rod-shaped bacteria) and spirilla (spiral-shaped bacteria). The term "coccus" refers specifically to the spherical form of these microorganisms. This round shape can exist singularly or in arrangements such as clusters (staphylococci) or chains (streptococci). Understanding the shape of bacteria is essential in microbiology as it helps in identifying and classifying different types of bacteria, which can have important implications in clinical and laboratory settings.