Dynamics and Organization of Archaeal Tetraether Lipid Membranes

Archaeal bipolar tetraether lipids (BTLs) have distinct structural differences from the lipids isolated from bacteria and eukaryotes. Because of the presence of the unusual structural features, such as macrocyclic structures, cyclopentane rings, isoprenoid units, tetraether linkages, and a variety of polar head groups, archaeal BTL membranes possess physical properties distinctly different from those found in conventional diester lipid membranes. This chapter reviews the salient physical properties of archaeal BTL membranes as well as the membranes formed by synthetic BTLs, with the emphasis focused on membrane dynamics, stability, phase behaviors, and organization.