Why is thecolour of a leaf kept in the dark frequently yellow, or pale green?Which pigment do you think is more stable?
Why is thecolour of a leaf kept in the dark frequently yellow, or pale green?Which pigment do you think is more stable?
Sinceleaves require light to perform photosynthesis, the colour of a leafkept in the dark changes from a darker to a lighter shade of green.Sometimes, it also turns yellow. The production of the chlorophyllpigment essential for photosynthesis is directly proportional to theamount of light available. In the absence of light, the production ofchlorophyll-a molecules stops and they get broken slowly. Thischanges the colour of the leaf gradually to light green. During thisprocess, the xanthophyll and carotenoid pigments become predominant,causing the leaf to become yellow. These pigments are more stable aslight is not essential for their production. They are always presentin plants.
Sinceleaves require light to perform photosynthesis, the colour of a leafkept in the dark changes from a darker to a lighter shade of green.Sometimes, it also turns yellow. The production of the chlorophyllpigment essential for photosynthesis is directly proportional to theamount of light available. In the absence of light, the production ofchlorophyll-a molecules stops and they get broken slowly. Thischanges the colour of the leaf gradually to light green. During thisprocess, the xanthophyll and carotenoid pigments become predominant,causing the leaf to become yellow. These pigments are more stable aslight is not essential for their production. They are always presentin plants.
