What is the arrangement of streptococci bacteria?

Streptococci bacteria are known for their distinct arrangement in chains. This configuration occurs due to the way these spherical bacteria divide; they divide by binary fission along a single axis but remain attached after cell division. As a result, they form long chains that can vary in length based on the number of divisions. This chain-like appearance is a key characteristic that helps microbiologists identify and classify these bacteria, making it easier to distinguish them from other types of cocci, such as staphylococci, which appear in clusters. Understanding the arrangement helps in diagnosing infections caused by these organisms, as certain streptococcal species are linked to specific diseases in humans.