New York Nail Technician License Practice Test

What is the name of the bacteria that grows in pairs?

1. Staphylococci

2. Diplococci

3. Streptococci

4. Micrococci

The correct answer is: Diplococci

The bacteria that grow in pairs are known as diplococci. This term specifically refers to a type of spherical bacteria that tend to appear in pairs due to the way they divide. Unlike cocci that form clusters or chains, diplococci typically result when individual bacterial cells undergo binary fission and remain attached to one another. This characteristic arrangement is significant in microbiology as it aids in the identification of bacterial species and can also have implications for their pathogenicity and the infections they may cause. In contrast, staphylococci grow in clusters resembling bunches of grapes, while streptococci arrange themselves in chains. Micrococci tend to form tetrads or irregular clusters, showcasing the diversity in bacterial morphologies. Understanding these classifications is essential for those in the nail technician field as it emphasizes the importance of hygiene and sanitation practices to prevent infections.