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.

Glycerol vs. Glycine

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dec 06, 2023

ADVERTISEMENT

Comparison Chart

Chemical Structure

A trihydroxy alcohol

The simplest amino acid

Dec 06, 2023

Biological Function

Backbone for triglycerides, an intermediate in metabolism

Involved in protein synthesis, neurotransmitter activities

Dec 06, 2023

Physical Properties

Viscous liquid, sweet taste

Crystalline solid, sweet taste

Dec 06, 2023

Industrial Uses

Used in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals

Dietary supplements, flavor enhancer

Dec 06, 2023

Chemical Reactivity

Forms esters and ethers

Less reactive, only achiral amino acid

Dec 06, 2023

ADVERTISEMENT

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.

Nov 24, 2023

Glycine

Glycine is the simplest amino acid found in proteins.

Glycine is abundant in collagen, contributing to skin elasticity.

Nov 24, 2023

Glycerol

Glycerol is a simple polyol compound.

Glycerol is added to lotions for its moisturizing properties.

Nov 24, 2023

Glycine

Glycine, a non-essential amino acid, is involved in protein synthesis.

Dietary supplements often contain glycine to support muscle growth.

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.

Nov 24, 2023

ADVERTISEMENT

Glycine

Glycine acts as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system.

Glycine's role in neurotransmission is crucial for cognitive functions.

Nov 24, 2023

Glycerol

Glycerol is used as a sweetener and humectant in various products.

Glycerol is added to baked goods to retain moisture.

Nov 24, 2023

Glycine

Glycine is used therapeutically in psychiatry and neurology.

Some studies suggest glycine may improve certain psychiatric conditions.

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.

Nov 24, 2023

Glycine

Glycine is a colorless, sweet-tasting crystalline solid.

Glycine is used as a flavor enhancer in food products.

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.

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.

Oct 19, 2023

Glycerol

(organic compound) 1,2,3-trihydroxy-propane or propan-1,2,3-triol; a trihydric alcohol

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.

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.

Oct 19, 2023

Glycine

The simplest amino acid found in proteins and the principal amino acid in sugar cane

Oct 19, 2023

Glycerol

Same as Glycerin.

Oct 19, 2023

Glycine

Genus of Asiatic erect or sprawling herbs: soya bean

Oct 19, 2023

Glycerol

A sweet syrupy trihydroxy alcohol obtained by saponification of fats and oils

Oct 19, 2023

Repeatedly Asked Queries

Where is glycine found?

In proteins, especially collagen.

Dec 06, 2023

What is glycerol?

A trihydroxy alcohol used in various industries.

Dec 06, 2023

What is glycine?

The simplest amino acid, involved in protein synthesis.

Dec 06, 2023

Is glycerol a sugar?

No, but it is sweet-tasting and used as a sweetener.

Dec 06, 2023

Is glycerol safe for consumption?

Yes, it's widely used in food and pharmaceuticals.

Dec 06, 2023

Does glycerol have a role in medicine?

Yes, in cough syrups and as a humectant.

Dec 06, 2023

Where is glycerol found?

In fats and oils, and as a component in many products.

Dec 06, 2023

What are the health benefits of glycine?

Supports muscle growth and neurological functions.

Dec 06, 2023

Is glycine an essential amino acid?

No, it's non-essential, meaning the body can synthesize it.

Dec 06, 2023

What are the industrial uses of glycine?

In dietary supplements and as a flavor enhancer.

Dec 06, 2023

Can glycerol be synthesized in the body?

Yes, it's a part of lipid metabolism.

Dec 06, 2023

Is glycine safe for consumption?

Yes, as a dietary supplement or food additive.

Dec 06, 2023

Does glycine have a role in medicine?

Yes, in psychiatric and neurological therapies.

Dec 06, 2023

Can glycine help with sleep?

Some studies suggest it might improve sleep quality.

Dec 06, 2023

Can glycine be used in cooking?

Yes, as a flavor enhancer or dietary supplement.

Dec 06, 2023

Is glycerol found in skincare products?

Yes, for its moisturizing properties.

Dec 06, 2023

How is glycerol produced industrially?

From biodiesel production and fat saponification.

Dec 06, 2023

What are the industrial uses of glycerol?

In cosmetics, food, antifreeze, and plasticizers.

Dec 06, 2023

Can glycerol be used in baking?

Yes, as a humectant to retain moisture in baked goods.

Dec 06, 2023

How is glycine produced industrially?

Synthetically, through chemical processes.

Dec 06, 2023

Share this page

Link for your blog / website

HTML

Link to share via messenger

Flatform vs. Platform

Glycerol vs. Glycine

Ingenious vs. Ingenuous

Glycerol vs. Glycine

About Author

Written by

Shumaila 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.

Trending Comparisons

LTE vs. CDMA

February 4, 2024

LTE (Long Term Evolution) is a 4G wireless communication standard with high-speed data transfer, while CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) is an older 2G/3G technology for mobile networks.

Celsius vs. Kelvin

Celsius vs. Kelvin

January 1, 2024

Celsius is a temperature scale with 0°C as water's freezing point and 100°C its boiling point, while Kelvin is an absolute scale starting at absolute zero (0 K).

Moms vs. Mom's

Moms vs. Mom’s

February 22, 2024

"Moms" is the plural form of "mom," referring to multiple mothers, while "Mom's" is the possessive form of "mom," indicating something belongs to or is related to a mother.

Japanese Eyes vs. Chinese Eyes

Japanese Eyes vs. Chinese Eyes

December 25, 2023

Japanese Eyes and Chinese Eyes refer to linguistic structures in Japanese and Chinese respectively, each reflecting unique aspects of grammar and syntax.

Nike Air Force 1 LE vs. Nike Air Force 1 '07

Nike Air Force 1 LE vs. Nike Air Force 1 ’07

April 16, 2024

Nike Air Force 1 LE often represents limited edition releases with unique designs, while Nike Air Force 1 '07 is a modern version of the classic, maintaining the iconic style with updated materials.

Gorilla Glass vs. Panda Glass

Gorilla Glass vs. Panda Glass

January 5, 2024

Gorilla Glass is a highly durable, scratch-resistant glass used in electronic devices, while Panda Glass is a similar protective glass known for its high transparency and toughness.

Smart TV vs. Android TV

Smart TV vs. Android TV

December 25, 2023

A Smart TV is an internet-connected television with a variety of apps, while an Android TV is specifically a Smart TV powered by Google's Android TV operating system.

Goth vs. Alt

February 5, 2024

Goth is a dark, often Victorian-influenced subculture and style, while Alt (alternative) is a broader term encompassing non-mainstream styles and attitudes.

Gorilla Glass 3 vs. Gorilla Glass 5

Gorilla Glass 3 vs. Gorilla Glass 5

January 1, 2024

Gorilla Glass 3 offers improved scratch resistance and durability compared to its predecessors, while Gorilla Glass 5 focuses on enhanced drop protection and toughness.

2 Pole Motors vs. 4 Pole Motors

2 Pole Motors vs. 4 Pole Motors

December 25, 2023

2 Pole Motors have one pair of magnetic poles and run at higher speeds, while 4 Pole Motors have two pairs of poles and operate at lower speeds, offering higher torque.

Payment vs. Remittance

Payment vs. Remittance

April 9, 2024

Payment is a transfer of money for goods or services, while remittance involves sending money to a distant location, often overseas.

Benzyl Chloride vs. Benzoyl Chloride

Benzyl Chloride vs. Benzoyl Chloride

January 3, 2024

Benzyl Chloride is a chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbon used in organic synthesis, while Benzoyl Chloride is an acyl chloride used as a reagent in chemistry.

Manual Filing vs. E-Filing

Manual Filing vs. E-Filing

January 21, 2024

Manual Filing involves physically submitting documents, often in paper form. E-Filing is the process of submitting documents electronically, often through dedicated platforms or email.

Catapult vs. Trebuchet

Catapult vs. Trebuchet

January 4, 2024

A catapult is a ballistic device using tension or torsion to launch projectiles, while a trebuchet is a type of catapult using a counterweight for greater force and distance.

Tap Root vs. Fibrous Root

Tap Root vs. Fibrous Root

February 28, 2024

Tap root is a single, thick primary root growing vertically downward, while fibrous root is a network of many thin roots spreading out near the surface.

Slavic Facial Features vs. Germanic Facial Features

Slavic Facial Features vs. Germanic Facial Features

January 31, 2024

Slavic facial features often include high cheekbones and rounder faces, while Germanic facial features typically have sharper angles and stronger jawlines.

Login vs. Logon

Login vs. Logon

December 25, 2023

"Login" and "Logon" are often used interchangeably to describe the process of gaining access to a computer system, but "login" can also refer to the credentials used for access.

Social Change vs. Cultural Change

Social Change vs. Cultural Change

December 25, 2023

Social change refers to shifts in societal structures and institutions, impacting behaviors and relationships among people. Cultural change pertains to alterations in a group's shared beliefs, values, and customs, influencing their way of life.

Seagate Exos x16 vs. Seagate Exos x18

Seagate Exos x16 vs. Seagate Exos x18

February 8, 2024

The Seagate Exos X16 offers up to 16TB storage with a focus on high-capacity data centers, while the Exos X18 upgrades to 18TB, enhancing performance and capacity for enterprise demands.

White Collar Crime vs. Blue Collar Crime

White Collar Crime vs. Blue Collar Crime

December 25, 2023

White Collar Crime involves non-violent, financially motivated offenses often committed by professionals, while Blue Collar Crime refers to physical or violent crimes often by manual laborers.

Hard Copy vs. Soft Copy

Hard Copy vs. Soft Copy

December 25, 2023

A Hard Copy is a physical version of a document or file, usually on paper, while a Soft Copy is a digital version of the document, stored electronically.

Inox vs. Stainless Steel

Inox vs. Stainless Steel

January 10, 2024

Inox is a synonym for stainless steel, used mainly in Europe, while stainless steel is a corrosion-resistant alloy containing chromium.

Assemble vs. Build

Assemble vs. Build

December 25, 2023

Assemble refers to the act of gathering and organizing pre-existing components, while build involves the creation of something new by combining various materials or elements.

Pycharm Community vs. Pycharm Pro

Pycharm Community vs. Pycharm Pro

February 4, 2024

PyCharm Community is a free, open-source IDE for Python development, while PyCharm Pro is a paid version with additional advanced features like web development support and database tools.

Featured Comparisons

Helicopter vs. Chopper

Helicopter vs. Chopper

Hard Copy vs. Soft Copy

Hard Copy vs. Soft Copy

Fate vs. Destiny

Fate vs. Destiny

Cuddle vs. Snuggle

Cuddle vs. Snuggle

Coyote vs. Jackal

Coyote vs. Jackal