What are the characteristics of Neisseria?

Neisseria is a genus of bacteria characterized primarily by their morphology and arrangement. They are known to be small, gram-negative cocci (spherical bacteria) that typically appear in pairs, resembling kidney beans or coffee beans. This unique shape and the tendency to arrange in diplococci can often lead to visual descriptions like "cheetah-like structures" due to their angular pair formation.

The other options do not accurately reflect the characteristics of Neisseria. The description of very small rods and larger structures, multiple small rods strung together, or small stick-shaped bodies does not fit the established morphology of this genus. Neisseria's defining feature as small, spherical organisms in pairs is why the first choice accurately represents their characteristics. Understanding these morphological traits helps identify Neisseria in clinical samples, which is essential for diagnosing infections caused by these bacteria, such as gonorrhea and meningitis.