In vivo occurrence of carbonyl residues in Phaseolus vulgaris proteins as a direct consequence of a chronic ozone stress

We aimed to show that a chronic and realistic ozone stress could induce in vivo formation of carbonyl groups in leaf proteins of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv Bergamo). Plants were grown in three open-top chambers with increasing ozone concentrations: non-filtered air (NF), NF+40 nL·L–1, NF+80 nL·L–1 ozone 7 h·d–1 for 22 d. Carbonyl contents in proteins, evaluation of Rubisco (EC 4.1.1.39) amounts and visible damages were systematically investigated in primary and first trifoliate leaves. Visible ozone injuries clearly reflected the total external ozone dose (expressed as AOT40) that the leaf had suffered. Ozone was effective at inducing aldehydes and ketones formation in bean proteins. This production of carbonyl groups increased with ozone concentration, the most relevant difference being observed on the Rubisco small subunit (Rubisco SSU). Contrary to young first trifoliate leaves, older primary leaves from O3-enriched atmospheres exhibited a two-fold decrease in Rubisco level. Carbonyl group formation in Rubisco SSU and decrease in Rubisco level were not necessarily linked. Depending on ozone concentration, exposure time and leaf age, these two effects were observed either together or separately for an almost similar external dose of ozone. To conclude, leaf symptoms, loss of Rubisco and oxidized Rubisco SSU could participate in the assessment of the impact of a chronic ozone stress.