What term describes bacteria that form irregular grape-like clusters?

The term that describes bacteria that form irregular grape-like clusters is staphylococci. Staphylococci refer to a group of spherical bacteria that tend to aggregate in irregular, cluster-like formations, resembling a bunch of grapes. This grouping pattern occurs due to the binary fission process, where the bacteria divide in multiple planes but do not separate completely after division.

In contrast, streptococci are known for forming chains or pairs of cocci, bacilli are rod-shaped bacteria, and diplococci refer to bacteria that come in pairs. Each of these types has different growth patterns and arrangements that distinguish them from staphylococci. Understanding these terms is essential for identifying bacterial structures and their implications in microbiology, particularly in clinical and mortuary science contexts.