glycine (Gly) /glī″sin/ [Gk, glykys + L, amine, ammonia] , a nonessential amino acid occurring widely as a component of animal and plant proteins. Synthetically produced glycine is used in solutions for irrigation, in the treatment of various muscle diseases, and as an antacid and dietary supplement. It is the only amino acid lacking an R group side chain and therefore also lacking stereochemistry. See also amino acid, protein.
