![]() Although chlorophyll is green, during fall the production of chlorophyll slows and starts to disappear from the leaves as described above. Lastly, chlorophyll plays the ever-important role of photosynthesis to produce sugars from sunlight that the tree will use as energy to grow. Additionally, there is Xanthophyll (zan-thuh-fil) which is present in yellow egg yolks and corn. There are also Carotenoids (kr- aa-tuh-noyds) that give foods their orange/yellow color, such as carrots. ![]() Anthocyanin (an-tho-SY-uh-nin) gives color to strawberries, blueberries, and red apples (reds, blues, and purples). In general, there are 3 pigments that are well known for bringing about the colors we see in fall. Interestingly all these pigments are ones you have come across before in the foods you eat. Eventually production completely stops, and the remaining chlorophyll is broken down or destroyed in the leaf.īut what brings about the colors? The leaves’ colors come from pigments residing in the leaves themselves. This change in the climate signals the tree to start slowing down chlorophyll production , decreasing the green pigment in the leaf, and allowing other pigments to take over. In autumn, the days start to become shorter, leading to longer and cooler nights. During the spring and summer, the pigment chlorophyll (klo-ruh-fl) is present, which makes the leaves green. This symphony of brilliant yellow, red, and orange leaves is brought about by biochemical changes that take place in the tree and its leaves as the autumn season starts. Throughout your travels, pictures, or even maybe looking outside right now, you most likely have come across picturesque scenes of trees bursting with colors.
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