What characteristic shape are Staphylococcus aureus bacteria known for?

Staphylococcus aureus is characterized by its shape and arrangement as cocci, which are spherical bacteria. The distinctive feature of Staphylococcus aureus is that these spherical cells typically arrange themselves in clusters that resemble bunches of grapes. This clustering is due to the bacteria's division process, where they divide in multiple planes but do not completely separate, resulting in groups of cells.

This characteristic arrangement is important in microbiology for the identification of Staphylococcus aureus and differentiating it from other bacteria. For instance, Streptococcus species, which are also spherical, tend to form chains rather than clusters. Therefore, recognizing Staphylococcus aureus as cocci in clusters is crucial for proper classification and understanding its pathogenic potential.