What term is used for chains of spherical bacteria?

The term used for chains of spherical bacteria is "streptococci." This classification comes from the arrangement of the bacteria after division. Streptococci are Gram-positive bacteria that, when they divide, do so in a manner that leads to clusters or chains rather than separating completely. This chaining occurs because the cells remain partially attached at the septum where they divided.

In contrast, staphylococci refer to spherical bacteria that divide in multiple planes, resulting in clusters resembling grapes, which distinguishes them from the linear arrangements seen in streptococci. The other options, bacilli and vibrios, refer to different shapes of bacteria; bacilli are rod-shaped, while vibrios are comma-shaped. Their naming conventions focus more on morphology rather than the arrangement of cells after division, making "streptococci" the accurate term for chains of spherical bacteria.