Mannitol molecules carry out various functions within plants: on the one hand they are a source of energy storage; On the other hand, they are excellent chelating agents, which help incorporate different micronutrients. Additionally, they acts as agents against abiotic stress, for example: Because they have osmoregulatory properties, they are able to withstand situations of stress due to salinity or drought; and their activity as an antioxidant allow it to withstand situations of oxidative stress (caused by ozone and other reactive oxygen species).