BIOCHEMISTRY A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z                    HOME ABOUT CATEGORIES SITE MAP COPYRIGHT ADVERTISE CONTACT entire Web this site glycine (NH2CH2COOH) The simplest amino acid. Glycine is amphoteric because it has both the amine group (-NH2, basic) and the carboxylate group (-COOH, acidic). In acidic solutions it behaves as a base to form the +H3NCH2COOH ion; in basic solutions it acts as an acid to form the H2NCH2COO- ion. In neutral solutions, the ion +H3NCH2COO- can exist . Glycine is a common residue in proteins, especially collagen and elastin and is not optically active. It is also a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the spinal cord and brainstem of the vertebrate central nervous system. Related category    • BIOCHEMISTRY Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) BACK TO TOP