Glycine (English: Glycine) abbreviated as Gly or G, is 20 amino acids in the protein molecular weight smallest one. It is white or pale yellow crystals, soluble in water, has a sweet taste. Glycine is a hydrogen atom in the side buttons. Due to its α carbon and a hydrogen atom, a glycine instead of optical isomers. Because glycine side keys are very small, it can occupy space can not be occupied by other amino acids, such as amino acids within the collagen helix.
In some proteins (such as cytochrome, myoglobin and hemoglobin) with the evolution of evolutionary change it is quite small, because if a relatively large amino acid substitution, then it will change the whole structure of the protein.
Most proteins contain only small amounts of glycine, the collagen is an important exception, it contains one-third of glycine. In the central nervous system, especially in the spine, the glycine is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. If the glycine receptor is activated, chloride ions into the nerve cell through ion receptors cause inhibitory postsynaptic potentials. Strychnine is that these ion receptors antagonist. LD50 in mice whose index was 0.96 mg / kg body weight, cause of death was super excitability. In the central nervous system with glycine and glutamate agonists. Biological cells can synthesize glycine own.
There are many effects on the human body, the immune system is required for the synthesis of non-essential amino acid composition, to assist the release of oxygen from the blood to the tissue cells, help manufacture hormones and strengthen immune function. Help treat inadequate pituitary function, but also provide extra creatine, can delay muscle degeneration, muscle atrophy treatment, but also the central nervous system and prostate essential amino acids to help prevent seizures. Glycine used in the treatment of hyperacidity is also very effective, many antacids contain glycine ingredients. Glycine may also be used to treat hypoglycemia, because glycine will stimulate the secretion of glycogen decomposition hyperglycemic factor, this factor can be transported glycogen, and convert the glucose into the blood.