Which shape describes microorganisms that are round?

The term that describes microorganisms that are round is "cocci." This classification is derived from the Greek word "kokkos," meaning berry. In microbiology, cocci are spherical bacteria that can exist as single cells, in pairs, chains, or clusters. Their round shape can be crucial for identification under a microscope, influencing their staining characteristics and the way they respond to various environmental conditions.

Understanding that cocci are distinct from other bacterial shapes is important. For example, bacilli are rod-shaped, spirilla are spiral-shaped, and filamentous refers to elongated, thread-like structures. This distinction allows microbiologists to categorize and identify bacteria based on their morphology, which is vital in understanding their biological behavior and the diseases they may cause.