Key enzyme in the regulation of glycerol uptake and metabolism. Catalyzes the phosphorylation of glycerol to yield sn-glycerol 3-phosphate. It also catalyzes the phosphorylation of dihydroxyacetone (DHA). Involved, together with the DHA kinase DhaKLM, in the metabolism of DHA. ATP + glycerol = ADP + H(+) + sn-glycerol 3-phosphate Polyol metabolism; glycerol degradation via glycerol kinase pathway; sn-glycerol 3-phosphate from glycerol: step 1/1. By glycerol. Not subjected to glucose catabolite repression. Incapable of growth on glycerol. Causes a reduction in growth on dihydroxyacetone. Belongs to the FGGY kinase family.