For each of the following statements that is true, write “true” in the blank. For each statement that is false, write the word(s) that should be substituted for the underlined word(s) to make the statement correct.
__________ A bacillus is a bacterium with a slightly curved rod shape.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the term 'bacillus' and understand its definition in microbiology.
2. Recall that 'bacillus' refers to a rod-shaped bacterium.
3. Consider the description 'slightly curved rod shape' and determine if it aligns with the definition of 'bacillus'.
4. Recognize that a 'slightly curved rod shape' is typically associated with 'vibrio', not 'bacillus'.
5. Conclude that the statement is false and the correct term should be 'vibrio' instead of 'bacillus'.

Key Concepts

Bacterial Morphology

Bacterial morphology refers to the study of the shape, size, and arrangement of bacteria. Common shapes include cocci (spherical), bacilli (rod-shaped), and spirilla (spiral). Understanding these shapes is crucial for identifying bacterial species and their characteristics.

Bacillus Classification

The term 'bacillus' specifically describes rod-shaped bacteria. While some bacilli can be slightly curved, the definition typically refers to straight rods. This classification is important in microbiology for distinguishing between different types of bacteria based on their morphology.

True/False Statements in Microbiology

In microbiology, true/false statements are often used to assess understanding of concepts. Correcting false statements requires knowledge of specific terminology and definitions, which is essential for accurate communication in the field.