Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Bacterial morphology and spatial arrangement are determined by the planes of cellular division and whether sister cells remain attached after dividing.
Cocci (spherical bacteria) show highly characteristic arrangements that serve as primary diagnostic criteria under microscopic examination.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze the cellular arrangements for each genus:
- A. Staphylococcus: These bacteria divide in multiple random planes, and the cells remain clustered together, resembling irregular grape-like structures or cocci in bunches (IV).
- B. Streptococcus: These bacteria divide in a single linear plane, and the resulting cells remain attached end-to-end, forming chains, matching with cocci in chains (III).
- C. Sarcina: These bacteria divide in three perpendicular planes in a highly regular manner, producing cubic arrangements of eight or more cells, matching with packets of 8 cells (II).
- D. Pediococcus: These lactic acid bacteria divide in two perpendicular planes, forming groups of four cells in a flat square pattern, matching with tetrads (I).
Thus, the correct matching is: A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I.
Step 3: Final Answer
The correct option is (A).