Data_Physiological role of some key biochemical compounds and osmoprotectants in abiotic stress tolerance of plants. (n.d.).

Abiotic factors such as water scarcity, salinity, and heavy metal exposure cause considerable stress and impact the overall development of plants. Plants possess a multifaceted defence strategy to cope with stressful environments. Low molecular weight thiols and proteins such as proline, glutathione, phytochelatins and metallothionein represent an essential function in abiotic stress tolerance. Proline adjusts the osmotic level in plants, scavenges the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and helps stabilize large molecules during stress conditions. Glutathione, metallothionein and Phytochelatins maintain homeostasis, detoxify ROS, and regulate cell signalling. Phytochelatins bind toxic metal compounds, regulating metal balance in cells. According to existing literature, under stressful conditions, plants tend to synthesize an excessive quantity of thiols and proteins. This overproduction serves to enhance the plant's ability to withstand stress by maintaining cell turgor and osmotic balance, stabilizing membranes to prevent electrolyte leakage, and regulating concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within optimal levels, thereby averting oxidative stress in plants. Findings from different biochemical and physiological studies are combined to explore the functions and complex roles of various low molecular weight compounds and proteins in enhancing and reinforcing resilience against abiotic stress tolerance in diverse plant species.