Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: Michelle on 26/09/2011 21:01:02

Title: What is the real colour of plant leaves?
Post by: Michelle on 26/09/2011 21:01:02

Michelle asked the Naked Scientists:
   
What is the true colour of leaves? I heard a talk stating that the true colour is brown/red and that the chlorophyll masks the "true colour". Is this true?

What do you think?

Title: What is the real colour of plant leaves?
Post by: MikeS on 27/09/2011 08:33:08

What's the colour of a fallen leaf when chlorophyll is no longer being produced, brown/red.

Title: What is the real colour of plant leaves?
Post by: chris on 27/09/2011 09:10:21

What you heard is true, Michelle. When leaves senesce and prepare to drop the colour change is provoked by the breakdown and removal of the chlorophyll pigments and the disclosure (and in some cases increased production) of antioxidants, which are highly coloured. Together these effects cause the leaves to turn the beautiful shades of red, yellow and orange that we associate with autumn.

Chris