Lipid packing variations induced by pH in cardiolipin-containing bilayers: The driving force for the cristae-like shape instability

► Cardiolipin is a key component of the inner mitochondrial membrane. ► pH induced significant lipid packing modifications only for cardiolipin-containing membranes. ► Asymmetry of the best preferred area per lipid leads to membrane shape instability. ► Cristae-like morphologies are only observed for cardiolipin-containing GUVs. ► Lipids play a specific role in inner mitochondrial membrane morphology and dynamics.