I wondered if there is a reason why most trees and plants have a green color. Leopards have their color, for example, because they are better camouflaged. Is there a reason why most trees are green and not red or blue?
Answer
Hello Alexander,
green plants are green because they contain chlorophyll. They need this to do photosynthesis. This is a very special technique that plants/trees use to make their sugars (= energy-rich substances) from sunlight. Only those who have that chlorophyll can do that. We cannot do that and have to eat plants / animals to get such energy-rich substances (ie those sugars).
The chlorophyll therefore absorbs that sunlight. It actually captures all wavelengths (= all colors), but not the green. This green light is therefore reflected back, making the leaves green. Actually, I should say: look green. They are therefore green because the green color in the light is NOT absorbed.
In the fall, the chlorophyll granules are removed from the leaves to reuse them the following year. This causes the leaves to change color!
If you have any questions about this, let me know!
Regards,
Christine
Answered by
Dr. Christine Vander Heyden
PhD: developmental biology on zebrafish, tooth development, gene expression patterns (ISH), in vitro cultures of tissues, histology (LM and TEM) Teaching assignment: lab biotechnology, biochemical analysis techniques, immunology. Environmental subjects.
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http://www.hogent.be/
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