Cell morphology identification

Bacteria shape can be identified under the microscope.

Examples of bacteria and their cell shape:

• Saccharomyces cerevisiae: large, globose to ellipsoidal budding yeast-like cells.

• Lactobacillus: Gram positive rod.

Morphological identification of bacteria is not very specific, related organisms often look alike. A series of biochemical tests can be used to identify metabolic properties of the microorganism to further characterise the bacteria.