[1] Their primary role is to maintain the integrity of cells by affecting the viscosity, melting point, and ionic strength of the aqueous solution.
These molecules are involved in counteracting the effects of osmotic stress, which occurs when there are fluctuations in the concentration of solutes (such as ions and sugars) inside and outside cells.
Osmolytes help cells adapt to changing osmotic conditions, thereby ensuring their survival and functionality.
[3][4] Common osmolytes include amino acids, sugars and polyols, methylamines, methylsulfonium compounds, and urea.
Natural osmolytes that can act as osmoprotectants include trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), dimethylsulfoniopropionate, sarcosine, betaine, glycerophosphorylcholine, myo-inositol, taurine, glycine, and others.