How do leaves change colors in fall?
In: Biology
They change colors because the tree starts storing its food and water in its roots instead of giving it to the leaves. That causes the chlorophyll in the leaves to die, so they lose their lush green color.
There are two types of chlorophyll (A and B) and they absorb purple, blue, orange, and red light. They reflect green and yellow, which gives leaves their typical color.
In the fall, the plants stop producing the chlorophyll and instead use a secondary pigment called carotenoids for energy. These plants will reflect yellow, orange, and red light.
It’s all based on wavelengths of light and the optimum levels of energy for light absorption for photosynthesis.
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