Free Glycerol Assay Kit II (Colorimetric)

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Glycerol also known as glycerol anhydrous or glycérol is a simple polyol compound with a molecular weight of approximately 92.09 g/mol. Glycerol is expressed widely in various tissues and plays a considerable role as a backbone in the structure of triglycerides and phospholipids thereby impacting lipid biology significantly. It acts mechanically in lipid metabolism by serving as a substrate for glycerolipid synthesis and provides energy through its conversion to glucose or dihydroxyacetone phosphate.

Biological function summary

Glycerol metabolism is significant in energy storage and lipid regulation. It does not function in isolation but is part of various lipid complexes that regulate lipid homeostasis. Through its involvement it aids in the formation of essential lipid components that are important for membrane structure and function. The ability of cells to store energy efficiently is largely dependent on glycerol's capability to integrate into and support these lipid structures.

Pathways

Glycerol participates in glycerolipid metabolism and gluconeogenesis. The glycolytic pathway is especially important as glycerol serves as a potential precursor for glucose production connecting it to energy supply chains within the organism. Proteins like glycerol kinase and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase play critical roles in these conversions and metabolic processes underlying how glycerol fits into broader biological functions.

Associated diseases and disorders

Glycerol has connections to metabolic conditions such as glycerol kinase deficiency and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Its metabolism's rate and efficiency can influence lipid accumulation and related metabolic syndromes. The enzyme glycerol kinase which phosphorylates glycerol to form glycerol-3-phosphate associates directly with glycerol's relevance in these diseases. Understanding these connections may lead to insights into managing or alleviating related metabolic disease symptoms.