Key enzyme in the regulation of glycerol uptake and metabolism. Catalyzes the phosphorylation of glycerol to yield sn-glycerol 3-phosphate. ATP + glycerol = ADP + H(+) + sn-glycerol 3-phosphate Activity of this regulatory enzyme is affected by several metabolites. Allosterically and non-competitively inhibited by fructose 1,6-bisphosphate (FBP) and unphosphorylated phosphocarrier protein EIIA-Glc (III-Glc), an integral component of the bacterial phosphotransferase (PTS) system. Polyol metabolism; glycerol degradation via glycerol kinase pathway; sn-glycerol 3-phosphate from glycerol: step 1/1. Homotetramer and homodimer (in equilibrium). Heterodimer with EIIA-Glc. Binds 1 zinc ion per glycerol kinase EIIA-Glc dimer. The zinc ion is important for dimerization. Belongs to the FGGY kinase family.