Which type of bacteria forms clusters resembling grapes?

Staphylococci are the type of bacteria that form clusters resembling grapes. This clustered arrangement is due to the way they divide and the fact that they do not fully separate after cell division, leading to the formation of groups or clusters. The name "staphylococcus" itself derives from the Greek words for "bunch" (staphyle) and "berry" (kokkos), which aptly describes their appearance under a microscope.

In contrast, streptococci appear as chains of spherical bacteria, formed when the cells divide in a single direction but remain attached. Diplococci consist of pairs of bacteria that remain together after division, while spirilla are spiral-shaped bacteria that do not form clusters. Understanding the structural differences among these bacteria is crucial, as it helps in correctly identifying them and understanding their behavior, which is essential in the field of cosmetology and infection control.