glycine

American  

[glahy-seen, glahy-seen] / ˈglaɪ sin, glaɪˈsin /

noun

Biochemistry.

1. a colorless, crystalline, sweet, water-soluble solid, H 2 NCH 2 COOH, the simplest amino acid: used chiefly in organic synthesis and biochemical research. Gly; G

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glycine British  

/ ɡlaɪˈsiːn, ˈɡlaɪsiːn /

noun

1. a nonessential amino acid occurring in most proteins that acts as a neurotransmitter; aminoacetic acid

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glycine Scientific  

/ glī′sēn′,-sĭn /

1. A nonessential amino acid. Glycine is the simplest amino acid. Chemical formula: C ₂ H ₅ NO ₂ .

2. See more at amino acid

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Etymology

Origin of glycine

First recorded in 1850–55; glyc- + -ine ²

Example Sentences

"Here at Penn State, we have modified instrumentation that allows us to make isotopic measurements on really low abundances of organic compounds like glycine," Baczynski said.

From Science Daily • Feb. 12, 2026

"We saw that the glycine molecules started reacting with each other to form peptides and water. This indicates that the same process occurs in interstellar space," Alfred Thomas Hopkinson says.

From Science Daily • Jan. 21, 2026

Katie decided to try magnesium glycinate - a combination of magnesium and glycine, an amino acid with limited evidence linking it to better sleep.

From BBC • Oct. 24, 2025

Proline and glycine are the primary building blocks of collagen protein, which makes up 30% of our body's total protein and provides a structural framework for our skin, muscles, bones and connective tissues.

From Science Daily • May 2, 2024

Yes, but that room with two windows, on the second story—" "I know it, we call it the glycine room.

From The Hollow Needle; Further adventures of Arsene Lupin by Teixeira de Mattos, Alexander