Lipid chain branching at the iso- and anteiso-positions in complex chlamydia membranes: A molecular dynamics study

► Single-branched bilayers have properties similar to those of non-branched bilayers except with regards to lipid chain order, since methyl branches induce sharp decreases in order. ► Increased lipid chain branching dramatically affects bilayer properties by increasing surface area per lipid, lateral elastic moduli, and lipid axial relaxation times; decreasing lipid chain order; and producing unique electron density profiles. ► The elementary and reticular bodies of Chlamydia trachomatis have high lateral elastic moduli due to their cholesterol concentrations, which may aid in their biological roles.