Role of proline under changing environments: a review
Shamsul Hayat1, Qaiser Hayat, Mohammed Nasser Alyemeni
1Department of Botany & Microbiology, Faculty of Science, King Saudi University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. shayat@lycos.com
Plant Signaling & Behavior
|September 7, 2012
Summary
Plants accumulate amino acids like proline under stress. Exogenous proline enhances plant stress tolerance by acting as an osmolyte, metal chelator, antioxidant, and signaling molecule, though high concentrations can be toxic.
Area of Science:
- Plant Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Stress Biology
Background:
- Plants accumulate amino acids, particularly proline, under stressful conditions.
- Proline plays crucial roles in plant metabolism, development, and stress response.
- A positive correlation exists between proline accumulation and plant stress tolerance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and discuss the effects of exogenous proline on plants exposed to various abiotic stresses.
- To examine the beneficial roles of proline in enhancing plant stress tolerance.
- To critically analyze the application and impact of exogenous proline in different environmental conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and critical analysis of existing research on proline and plant stress.
- Examination of data on proline's roles as an osmolyte, metal chelator, antioxidant, and signaling molecule.
- Compilation of examples demonstrating exogenous proline's effectiveness in improving stress tolerance.
Main Results:
- Exogenous proline enhances stress tolerance by maintaining cell turgor, stabilizing membranes, and regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS).
- Low concentrations of exogenous proline generally improve stress tolerance, while higher concentrations can exhibit toxic effects.
- Proline's multifaceted roles contribute significantly to plant survival under abiotic stress.
Conclusions:
- Exogenous proline application is a promising strategy for improving plant tolerance to abiotic stresses.
- Understanding the optimal concentration and application method is crucial to maximize benefits and avoid toxicity.
- Proline's protective mechanisms are vital for plant adaptation to challenging environments.
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