Glycerine: Difference between revisions
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Glycerine (also known as Glycerol or Glycerin) is a colourless, viscous, | Glycerine (also known as Glycerol or Glycerin) is a colourless, viscous, odourless fluid that is mainly used in pharmaceutical companies. Due to its sweet taste and low toxicity, it is ideal for cough syrups and other medicines. | ||
=== Structure === | |||
Glycerol contains 3 [[Hydroxyl group|hydroxyl groups]], which make it [[Water|water]] soluble. | |||
Its molecular formula is CH2(OH)CH(OH)CH2OH | |||
=== Production === | |||
Glycerol is mainly produced as a byproduct in other processes, such as saponification of fats (soap making), as [[Glycerol|glycerol]] forms the core of [[Triglycerides|triglycerides]]. | |||
It is also produced as a by-product in biodiesel production. | |||
=== Metabolism === | |||
Glycerol | Gluconeogenisis occurs in the [[Liver|liver]], and is when the body uses [[Glycerol|glycerol]] to make [[Glucose|glucose]] in fasting conditions. | ||
Glycerol is one of the 3 main carbon sources in the body for [[Gluconeogenesis|gluconeogenesis]]. The glycerol is released from the adipose stores of [[Triacylglycerol|triacylglycerol]] and [[Phosphorylation|phosphorylated]] into [[Glycerol-3-P|glycerol-3-P]]. Glycerol-3-P is then converted to [[Dihydroxyacetone-P|dihydroxyacetone-P]], which then produces [[Glucose|glucose]]<ref>Marks, L., Marks' Basic Medical Biochemistry A Clinical Approach, 4th Edition, page 562.</ref>. | |||
=== References === | |||
<references /> | |||
Latest revision as of 20:02, 4 December 2017
Glycerine (also known as Glycerol or Glycerin) is a colourless, viscous, odourless fluid that is mainly used in pharmaceutical companies. Due to its sweet taste and low toxicity, it is ideal for cough syrups and other medicines.
Structure
Glycerol contains 3 hydroxyl groups, which make it water soluble.
Its molecular formula is CH2(OH)CH(OH)CH2OH
Production
Glycerol is mainly produced as a byproduct in other processes, such as saponification of fats (soap making), as glycerol forms the core of triglycerides.
It is also produced as a by-product in biodiesel production.
Metabolism
Gluconeogenisis occurs in the liver, and is when the body uses glycerol to make glucose in fasting conditions.
Glycerol is one of the 3 main carbon sources in the body for gluconeogenesis. The glycerol is released from the adipose stores of triacylglycerol and phosphorylated into glycerol-3-P. Glycerol-3-P is then converted to dihydroxyacetone-P, which then produces glucose[1].
References
- ↑ Marks, L., Marks' Basic Medical Biochemistry A Clinical Approach, 4th Edition, page 562.