Although alanine is not considered to be especially important in nitrogen uptake or cell signaling, it does have a special importance in the plant’s metabolism and for overcoming stress situations. Alanine is the main transporter of organic nitrogen from nitrogen-fixing bacteria into the plant. Many studies have been described in which the importance of this amino acid is demonstrated in situations of stress such as hypoxia, salt stress, drought, biotic stress, etc. Proof of this is that, when plants are subjected to stress conditions, they respond by accumulating large amounts of alanine. Like valine, leucine or isoleucine, alanine is a precursor of alcohols, and other compounds, which improve the organoleptic qualities of the fruits.

Alanine serves as a precursor to some secondary metabolites such as glucosinolates.