University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Bacteria are classified based on size, shape and arrangement. 

Morphology & Classification of Bacteria

Studying the morphology of bacteria requires using microscopes. The types of microscopes are:
- Optical microscope
- Phase contrast microscope
- Dark ground microscope
- Electron microscope

Microscopy

Due to the lack of contrast in light microscopes, observation of structural details in live bacteria is not possible. Staining specimens adds contrast to the image. This involves dying and fixing the specimen, subsequently killing the bacteria. Commonly used staining techniques are:
- Simple Stains
- Negative Staining
- Impregnation Methods
- Differential Stains

Stained Preparations

Bacteria can be classified based on their different morphologies.
- Coccus
- Bacillus
- Vibrio
- Coccobacillus
- Spirillum
- Spirochete

Cell Morphologies

- Arrangements of Cocci
- Arrangements of Bacilli

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