L-Phosphinothricin is an inhibitor of glutamine synthetase (glutamine synthetase) and functions as a non-selective herbicide. As a competitive inhibitor, it induces the accumulation of toxic ammonium ions in plants and bacteria, indirectly blocking the photosynthesis process. L-Phosphinothricin exhibits herbicidal activity against both monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants, primarily absorbed through plant leaves with limited translocation within the plant. It degrades rapidly by soil microorganisms and is not absorbed by plant roots. This compound is used in weed control research for both agricultural and non-agricultural applications.