Pleomorphism refers to the ability of some organisms, particularly certain bacteria and cells, to exist in various shapes and forms. This characteristic allows them to adapt to different environments and conditions, enhancing their survival. For example, the bacterium Mycoplasma can change its shape depending on the surrounding environment, which can affect its ability to cause disease. In the context of cell biology, pleomorphism can also describe the variability in size and shape of cells within a single organism or tissue. This variability can be important for functions such as immune response and tissue repair, as different cell types may be better suited for specific tasks.