How are bacteria classified?
Bacteria are classified in many ways. Most bacteria are classified by their shape, texture, color and arrangements. The most useful technique of classification would be the Gram stain. The Gram stain distinguishes between differences in the cell wall composition of bacteria (Gram positive or Gram negative). The shape of the bacteria could be spherical (coccus), rod (bacillus), spirochete, or vibrio (curved rod). The texture could be wet/moist, dry, or mucoid. Bacteria come in a wide variety of colors.
