Which anaerobic, gram-positive rod is known for producing terminal "lollipop" spores?

The bacterium known for producing terminal "lollipop" spores is Clostridium tetani. This species is characterized by its unique morphology, particularly the distinctive appearance of its spores, which can resemble lollipops due to their location at the end of the rod-shaped cell. This terminal positioning is a key feature that aids in identifying the organism under the microscope.

Clostridium tetani is the causative agent of tetanus, a serious disease affecting the nervous system, and is strictly anaerobic, meaning it thrives in environments without oxygen. The "lollipop" morphology is significant as it reflects the reproductive strategy of the organism, which uses spore formation as a means of survival in adverse conditions.

Understanding these identifying characteristics emphasizes the importance of morphological features in bacteriology for classifying and identifying different bacterial species.