Respiratory activity, energy and redox status in sulphur-deficient bean plants

Sulphur (S) is an essential nutrient that due to its chemistry plays important roles in many metabolic processes. S-deficient bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L cv. Zlota saxa) showed decreased sulphate concentrations and sulphur to nitrogen ratios in the leaves and roots, less chloroplastic pigments and lower dry matter production. Phenotypic effects of S deficiency appeared as depressed shoot growth, paling and curling of the youngest leaves, chlorotic and/or necrotic spots on the leaf surface. Our results show that S deficiency changes mitochondrial function, cellular energy status and redox homeostasis. ATP production in bean leaf and root mitochondria was lower as the result of decreased activity of Complex I. Increased activities of internal NADH dehydrogenases (NDin) may at least partially compensate for Complex I impairment. External NADH dehydrogenases (NDex) activities, as well as protein level and capacity of alternative oxidase (AOX), did not change in S-deficient bean plants. Total ATP concentration severely decreased in leaf and root tissues. Pyridine nucleotide level was changed in S-deficient bean plants, NAD(H) pool became more reduced in leaf and root tissues whereas NADP(H) pool was more oxidized in the leaves. Our findings indicate that flexible function of plant mitochondrial respiratory chain could be an important target during adaptations to S deficiency. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.