Dental Assistant Practice Exam

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Which of the following shapes describes spirochetes?

  1. Spherical

  2. Long and thin

  3. Spiral-shaped

  4. Rod-shaped

The correct answer is: Spiral-shaped

Spirochetes are a unique group of bacteria characterized by their distinct spiral shape. This morphology allows them to be flexible and motile, enabling them to move in a corkscrew motion through various environments, which is particularly advantageous in biological systems, such as the viscous fluids within the host's tissues. Their spiral structure differentiates them from other bacterial shapes such as spherical (cocci), rod-shaped (bacilli), or long and thin configurations, which do not accurately represent the helical nature of spirochetes. This spiral structure is vital for their ability to invade tissues and evade the immune response, making it an essential characteristic for understanding their biological behavior and role in diseases.

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