Question

Prokaryotes have one of the three basic shapes:

• A. Spherical, rod-like or helically coiled
• B. Ovoid, rod-like or helically coiled
• C. Ovoid, spiral or helically coiled
• D. Ovoid, rod-like or planner

Hint:

Match the shape terms directly to their scientific designations:
Coccus = Spherical, Bacillus = Rod, and Spirillum/Spirochete = Helical.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Prokaryotic cell morphology is determined by the rigid peptidoglycan cell wall and internal cytoskeletal proteins.
Microbiologists categorize the diverse shapes of bacteria into three primary, classical morphologies.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The three primary and classical shapes of prokaryotic cells are:
Coccus: Cells that are spherical or near-spherical in shape.
Bacillus: Cells that are elongated, cylindrical, or rod-like.
Spirillum Spirochete: Cells that are curved, spiral, or helically coiled.
Ovoid shapes (often referred to as coccobacilli) are intermediate variations rather than one of the three basic classifications.
Planner or other specialized shapes are less common and do not represent the primary categories of prokaryotic morphology.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct set representing the three primary shapes of prokaryotes is spherical, rod-like, and helically coiled.