What type of cocci grow in clusters like grapes?

Staphylococci are a type of cocci that grow in clusters resembling a bunch of grapes. This characteristic cluster formation is due to the way the bacteria divide; they divide in multiple planes rather than just one, resulting in a group of cells that appear clustered.

This grouping can have significance in understanding the behavior of these bacteria, as staphylococci are often responsible for various infections, particularly skin infections, and their growth pattern can impact their pathogenicity and treatment approaches.

In contrast, the other types mentioned—streptococci, which typically grow in chains; bacilli, which are rod-shaped bacteria; and diplococci, which grow in pairs—do not exhibit the same clustered formation and thus represent different structural characteristics and behaviors in terms of their growth and medical implications.