glycerol
Last reviewed 01/2018
Glycerol is a simple alcohol composed of a 3 carbon chain with 3 associated hydroxyl groups. It may be esterified with:
- fatty acids, to form mono-, di- or triglycerides
- phosphoric acid and fatty acids, to form polar membrane lipids
- sugar residues and fatty acids
Free plasma glycerol may be liberated by triglyceride breakdown during lipolysis. It is then able to enter cells to progress through either glycolysis or gluconeogenesis.