Understanding the Science Behind the Colors of Fall: The Role of Carotenoids in Deciduous Tree Leaves.

When deciduous trees drop their leaves in the fall, the leaves turn to various shades of red, orange, and yellow. The source of these colors is A. chlorophyll B. carotenoids C. ATP D. fungal growth E. natural decay of cell walls

The source of the red, orange, and yellow colors in deciduous tree leaves during fall is primarily due to pigments called carotenoids

The source of the red, orange, and yellow colors in deciduous tree leaves during fall is primarily due to pigments called carotenoids. Carotenoids are organic compounds that are responsible for the yellow, orange, and red hues found in various fruits, flowers, and vegetables.

During the growing season, the green color of leaves is dominant and attributed to the presence of a pigment called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is responsible for capturing sunlight during photosynthesis and is essential for the production of carbohydrates in plants. However, as the days become shorter and temperatures cool down in the fall, deciduous trees enter a period of dormancy and prepare for winter.

As the leaves senesce and prepare to drop, the production of chlorophyll decreases. This decrease in chlorophyll unveils the other pigments present in the leaves, including carotenoids. The carotenoid pigments, such as beta-carotene and lutein, which were present in smaller quantities during the growing season, become more apparent as the green chlorophyll fades away.

The carotenoid pigments are responsible for the vibrant yellow and orange colors seen in leaves during the fall. Additionally, under certain conditions, some trees may also produce anthocyanin pigments, which give leaves a redder or purple hue. These pigments are created by the interaction of sugars and other compounds in the leaves, and their production can be influenced by environmental factors such as light, temperature, and nutrient availability.

In summary, the source of the red, orange, and yellow colors in deciduous tree leaves during fall is primarily due to carotenoid pigments, whereas chlorophyll is responsible for the green color during the growing season.

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