glycerol

(glycerine) A trihydroxy alcohol with the formula CH₂OHCHOHCH₂OH. Glycerol is a basic component of nearly all complex *lipids. *Triacylglycerols are esters of glycerol and fatty acids, while *phosphoglycerides and *glycolipids are esters of glycerol derivatives and fatty acids. Phosphorylated derivates of glycerol are intermediates in glycolysis and other areas of metabolism. Glycerol is often used as a *mounting medium in microscopy. See also triose phosphate.