what are five characteristics of bacterial colony morphology?

Form (shape) – describes the overall outline of the colony such as circular, irregular, filamentous or rhizoid. it’s key for distinguishing species

Size – measured in mm, ranges from pinpoint (<0.5 mm) to large (>1 mm), and helps categorize species

Margin (edge) – includes descriptions like entire (smooth), undulate, lobate, crenated or filamentous, indicating genetic or environmental traits

Elevation – side‐view profile such as flat, raised, convex, umbonate or pulvinate; provides clues to colony structure

Surface & texture – surface may be smooth, glistening, wrinkled, rough or dull; consistency refers to texture (mucoid, buttery, dry, brittle)