Glycine

/ˈɡlaɪsɪn/ noun

Definition

The simplest amino acid, containing no side chain, used by the body to build proteins and produce chemicals like glutathione and creatine.

Etymology

From French glycine, derived from Greek glykys 'sweet.' First isolated from gelatin hydrolysis in 1820s and named for its slightly sweet taste.

Kelly Says

Glycine is the minimalist amino acid—with just a hydrogen atom as its side chain, it's small enough to fit into tight molecular spaces, which is why it's so abundant in collagen (the protein holding your skin together).

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