What type of bacteria is characterized by its spiral shape?

Bacteria that are characterized by their spiral shape belong to the category known as spirillum. Spirilla are distinguished by their unique helical or spiral form, which allows them to move in a corkscrew motion through liquids. This shape can be advantageous for certain environments, enabling better locomotion and adaptability in various ecological niches.

In contrast, spheroid bacteria are more rounded; those that fall under the coccus category are typically spherical. Bacillus refers to rod-shaped bacteria. Understanding these classifications helps in identifying bacteria based on their morphology, which is essential in microbiology, particularly in diagnosing infections and understanding bacterial behavior in different environments.