The effects of L-Alanyl-L-cystine on plant growth may be reflected in the following aspects:
I. Effects on Plant Physiological Processes
Enhancement of Photosynthesis: The alanine portion in L-Alanyl-L-cystine can increase the synthesis of chlorophyll in plants. Chlorophyll is a key substance for photosynthesis, and an increase in its content helps improve the efficiency of plants in capturing and utilizing light energy, thereby enhancing photosynthesis. At the same time, alanine can also regulate the opening and closing of stomata, enabling plants to carry out gas exchange more rationally, providing sufficient carbon dioxide for photosynthesis and further promoting the process of photosynthesis.
Improvement of Antioxidant Capacity: Cystine contains sulfur elements and has antioxidant properties. During the growth process of plants, they are subjected to various oxidative stresses, such as ultraviolet rays, high temperature, drought, etc. L-Alanyl-L-cystine can help plants remove excessive free radicals in their bodies, reduce oxidative damage, protect the integrity of cell structure and function, and maintain the normal growth of plants.
Promotion of Nutrient Absorption and Transport: Amino acids generally can improve the nutrient absorption capacity of plants. L-Alanyl-L-cystine may help plant roots absorb major nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the soil, as well as trace elements such as iron, zinc, and manganese. It can also participate in the transport and distribution of nutrients within plants, enabling nutrients to be more effectively transported to the parts where they are needed, meeting the needs of plant growth and development.
II. Effects on Plant Stress Resistance
Enhancement of Disease Resistance: Alanine has the function of resisting pathogens, and cystine can promote the synthesis of cysteine proteases. When plants are invaded by pathogens, cysteine proteases can induce the infected cells to fall off from the plants, preventing the pathogens from continuing to infect the plants. L-Alanyl-L-cystine may act synergistically through these two mechanisms to enhance the resistance of plants to pathogens, reduce the probability of disease occurrence, and improve the health level of plants.
Strengthening of Tolerance to Abiotic Stresses: Under abiotic stress conditions such as drought, high temperature, low temperature, and salinity, a series of physiological and biochemical changes occur in plants, resulting in oxidative stress and other reactions that cause damage to plants. The antioxidant effect of L-Alanyl-L-cystine can alleviate oxidative stress, and it may also participate in regulating the osmotic balance and hormone levels of plants, helping plants maintain the normal physiological functions of cells, enhancing the tolerance of plants to abiotic stresses, and improving the survival ability of plants in harsh environments.
III. Effects on Plant Growth and Development
Promotion of Seed Germination: The metabolic processes involving cystine can provide nutrients and water for seed germination. L-Alanyl-L-cystine may promote the cystine-related metabolic pathways, degrade the proteins in the vacuoles or cell walls, and release the nutrients and water required for seed germination, thereby increasing the germination rate of seeds and enabling seeds to germinate faster and more uniformly.
Facilitation of Root Growth: Amino acids have a special promoting effect on the root development of crops, and they may stimulate the division and growth of cells in the root apical meristem. L-Alanyl-L-cystine may provide the necessary nutrients and signaling substances for root growth, promote the division and elongation of root cells, make the roots more developed, increase the length, volume, and number of root branches, and improve the absorption area and capacity of roots for water and nutrients.
Improvement of Fruit Quality: Cystine can promote the metabolic process of sulfur elements in crops, helping to synthesize some sulfur-containing compounds, which may have a positive impact on the quality traits of fruits such as flavor and aroma. As a whole, L-Alanyl-L-cystine may participate in the metabolic processes of plants, affect the accumulation of nutritional components, color, taste, etc. of fruits, and improve the quality and commercial value of fruits.
