Proline is an amino acid that acts as an osmolyte and signaling molecule in plants. It accumulates in plants under salt and drought stress, protecting them from reactive oxygen species damage. Plant species vary in their tolerance to salt, with some tolerating high salinity and others little or no salinity. Proline biosynthesis involves two cycles - the glutamate cycle and ornithine cycle - while its degradation is catalyzed by proline dehydrogenase. Exogenous application of proline can decrease the negative effects of salt stress on plants by reducing sodium and chloride accumulation.