Glycine

Glycine is the simplest of the amino acids, having just a hydrogen in the position of the R group and belonging to the class which has hydrocarbon R-groups. Amino acids of this group are generally hydrophobic, and tend to contribute to closeness in protein folding as they gather together to avoid water. 甘氨酸是氨基酸中最简单的种类，其R基团位置上只有一个氢原子，并属于具有碳氢基团的氨基酸类。这类氨基酸通常呈疏水性，并倾向于在蛋白质折叠中聚集在一起，以避免接触水。

Glycine as the smallest amino acid is important in the structure of collagen where its small size contributes to the tight winding of collagen fibers into a triple helix form. Collagen contains about 35% glycine, but most proteins contain only a small amount of glycine. Glycine contributes as a signaling molecule (inhibitory neurotransmitter) in the spinal column, brainstem, and retina. (Ahern)

Glycine is important in protein structure where it contributes to the formation of the common alpha helix structure in proteins.

Glycine forms a sweet-tasting colorless crystalline solid.