nutrient
Glycine
A small amino acid that is especially important in collagen structure.
Glycine’s small side chain lets collagen chains pack closely in their repeating triple-helix structure.
A small side chain shapes collagen
Collagen contains repeating glycine residues. Their size allows the three protein strands to fit closely together.
Related topics
Glycine is used to build Protein
Glycine is one of the amino acids used to assemble proteins.
Worth knowing
It has the smallest side chain. Glycine’s single-hydrogen side chain lets it fit into protein turns where larger side chains would crowd the backbone.
A closer look
The body can make it
Glycine is generally synthesised in the body and is not classified as an essential amino acid for healthy adults.
References
Source-checked local draft.
Human editorial review pending.
- NIH National Library of MedicineBiochemistry, Essential Amino AcidsChecked 2026-09-05
- NIH National Library of MedicineBiochemistry, Protein CatabolismChecked 2026-09-05
- NIH National Library of MedicineBiochemistry, Primary Protein StructureChecked 2026-09-05
- NIH National Library of MedicineBiochemistry, Collagen SynthesisChecked 2026-09-05