Glycerol vs. Glycine: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Glycerol is a simple polyol compound used as a sweetener and in pharmaceuticals, while glycine is the simplest amino acid, involved in protein synthesis.
Key Differences
Glycerol, a trihydroxy alcohol, is a viscous liquid often used in food and pharmaceuticals. Glycine, on the other hand, is a non-essential amino acid, the simplest in the human body.
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Dec 06, 2023
Glycerol is a backbone for triglycerides and an important intermediate in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. Glycine plays a critical role in the synthesis of proteins, purines, and other amino acids.
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Dec 06, 2023
Glycerol is sweet-tasting, colorless, and odorless, used in food, cosmetics, and as a moisturizer. Glycine is a sweet-tasting, colorless, crystalline solid, used in dietary supplements and as a flavor enhancer.
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Dec 06, 2023
Glycerol is used in the production of nitroglycerin, antifreeze, and as a plasticizer. Glycine is used in antacids, analgesics, and for therapeutic purposes in neurology and psychiatry.
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Dec 06, 2023
Glycerol, with three hydroxyl groups, is highly reactive in forming esters and ethers. Glycine, with a single hydrogen as its side chain, is the only achiral amino acid and is less reactive.
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Dec 06, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Biological Function
Backbone for triglycerides, an intermediate in metabolism
Involved in protein synthesis, neurotransmitter activities
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Dec 06, 2023
Physical Properties
Viscous liquid, sweet taste
Crystalline solid, sweet taste
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Dec 06, 2023
Industrial Uses
Used in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals
Dietary supplements, flavor enhancer
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Dec 06, 2023
Chemical Reactivity
Forms esters and ethers
Less reactive, only achiral amino acid
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Dec 06, 2023
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Glycerol and Glycine Definitions
Glycerol
Glycerol is a component of fats and oils, forming the backbone of triglycerides.
In the lab, we extracted glycerol from vegetable oil.
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Nov 24, 2023
Glycine
Glycine is the simplest amino acid found in proteins.
Glycine is abundant in collagen, contributing to skin elasticity.
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Nov 24, 2023
Glycerol
Glycerol is a simple polyol compound.
Glycerol is added to lotions for its moisturizing properties.
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Nov 24, 2023
Glycine
Glycine, a non-essential amino acid, is involved in protein synthesis.
Dietary supplements often contain glycine to support muscle growth.
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Nov 24, 2023
Glycerol
Glycerol, a trihydroxy alcohol, is used in both food and pharmaceutical industries.
The cough syrup contains glycerol to improve its texture and taste.
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Nov 24, 2023
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Glycine
Glycine acts as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.
Glycine's role in neurotransmission is crucial for cognitive functions.
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Nov 24, 2023
Glycerol
Glycerol is used as a sweetener and humectant in various products.
Glycerol is added to baked goods to retain moisture.
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Nov 24, 2023
Glycine
Glycine is used therapeutically in psychiatry and neurology.
Some studies suggest glycine may improve certain psychiatric conditions.
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Nov 24, 2023
Glycerol
Glycerol is a viscous liquid used in antifreeze and as a plasticizer.
The antifreeze's effectiveness is due to its glycerol content.
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Nov 24, 2023
Glycine
Glycine is a colorless, sweet-tasting crystalline solid.
Glycine is used as a flavor enhancer in food products.
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Nov 24, 2023
Glycerol
A syrupy, sweet, colorless or yellowish liquid triol, C3H8O3, obtained from fats and oils as a byproduct of saponification and used as a solvent, antifreeze, plasticizer, and sweetener and in the manufacture of dynamite, cosmetics, liquid soaps, inks, and lubricants.
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Oct 19, 2023
Glycine
A sweet-tasting crystalline nonessential amino acid, C2H5NO2, that is the principal amino acid occurring in sugarcane. The simplest amino acid found in protein, it is derived from the alkaline hydrolysis of gelatin and used in biochemical research and medicine.
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Oct 19, 2023
Glycerol
(organic compound) 1,2,3-trihydroxy-propane or propan-1,2,3-triol; a trihydric alcohol
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Oct 19, 2023
Glycine
(amino acid) A nonessential amino acid, amino-acetic acid, C2H5NO2 found in most proteins but especially in sugar cane; the simplest amino acid.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Glycerol
A syrupy sweet liquid obtained as a by-product in the manufacture of soap from animal or vegetable oils and fats; it is used as an antifreeze, a plasticizer, and a food sweetener and in the manufacture of dynamite, cosmetics etc.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Glycine
The simplest amino acid found in proteins and the principal amino acid in sugar cane
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Oct 19, 2023
Glycerol
A sweet syrupy trihydroxy alcohol obtained by saponification of fats and oils
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Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is glycerol safe for consumption?
Yes, it's widely used in food and pharmaceuticals.
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Dec 06, 2023
Does glycerol have a role in medicine?
Yes, in cough syrups and as a humectant.
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Dec 06, 2023
Where is glycerol found?
In fats and oils, and as a component in many products.
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Dec 06, 2023
What are the health benefits of glycine?
Supports muscle growth and neurological functions.
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Dec 06, 2023
Is glycine an essential amino acid?
No, it's non-essential, meaning the body can synthesize it.
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Dec 06, 2023
What are the industrial uses of glycine?
In dietary supplements and as a flavor enhancer.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can glycerol be synthesized in the body?
Yes, it's a part of lipid metabolism.
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Dec 06, 2023
Is glycine safe for consumption?
Yes, as a dietary supplement or food additive.
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Dec 06, 2023
Does glycine have a role in medicine?
Yes, in psychiatric and neurological therapies.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can glycine help with sleep?
Some studies suggest it might improve sleep quality.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can glycine be used in cooking?
Yes, as a flavor enhancer or dietary supplement.
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Dec 06, 2023
Is glycerol found in skincare products?
Yes, for its moisturizing properties.
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Dec 06, 2023
How is glycerol produced industrially?
From biodiesel production and fat saponification.
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Dec 06, 2023
What are the industrial uses of glycerol?
In cosmetics, food, antifreeze, and plasticizers.
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Dec 06, 2023
Can glycerol be used in baking?
Yes, as a humectant to retain moisture in baked goods.
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Dec 06, 2023
How is glycine produced industrially?
Synthetically, through chemical processes.
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Dec 06, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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