Prepare for the American Water Works Water Treatment Plant Operator Test. Study with multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready to excel!

Multiple Choice

What is the name given to spiral-shaped bacteria?

Spiral-shaped bacteria are called spirilla. They appear as rigid, helical rods, which sets them apart from cocci (spherical), bacilli (rod-shaped), and vibrios (curved, comma-like rods). Note that spirochetes are also spiral but are more tightly coiled and flexible, a different category from spirilla. The singular form is spirillum, and spirilla is the plural.

Spiral-shaped bacteria are called spirilla. They appear as rigid, helical rods, which sets them apart from cocci (spherical), bacilli (rod-shaped), and vibrios (curved, comma-like rods). Note that spirochetes are also spiral but are more tightly coiled and flexible, a different category from spirilla. The singular form is spirillum, and spirilla is the plural.