What characteristic distinguishes bacilli from cocci bacteria?

The distinguishing characteristic that sets bacilli apart from cocci bacteria is their shape. Bacilli are rod-shaped bacteria, while cocci are spherical. This morphological difference is fundamental in the classification and identification of bacteria, playing a crucial role in bacteriology. The shape of bacteria can impact their function, behavior, and how they interact with their environment, as well as influencing their susceptibility to antibiotics.

While size, reproductive method, and color might vary among different bacterial species, they do not serve as the primary defining characteristics for categorizing bacilli and cocci. The shape is a more consistent and distinctive trait used to differentiate between these two major groups of bacteria.