In the system of classifying bacteria based on their shape, what is a rod-shaped bacterium called?

Prepare for the Penn Foster Veterinary Technician Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions, with detailed hints and explanations for each question. Excel in your exam preparation!

The correct term for a rod-shaped bacterium is "Bacillus." This classification comes from the field of microbiology, which categorizes bacteria based on their shapes. Rod-shaped bacteria, or bacilli, can vary in length and can be either straight or curved, but they all share the characteristic elongated form resembling a rod.

Understanding bacterial形状 is essential for identification and treatment, as different bacteria can have different pathogenic properties and responses to antibiotics. Cocci refer to spherical bacteria, spirilla are spiral-shaped, and vibrios are comma-shaped. Each of these classifications has its own unique characteristics and associations with specific disease processes, making the knowledge of their shapes crucial for veterinary technicians in diagnosing and treating bacterial infections.

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