How do leaves change color in the fall ?
Great question, Sidney! In many places in the world, this is the time of year in which tree leaves turn from green to bright reds and oranges. Most people are surprised to find out that the fall colors are actually always in the leaves, but you can't see them because they are covered up by all the green chemical in leaves called chlorophyll.
As autumn arrives, the green color fades away, and the hidden reds, yellows, and oranges can finally be seen.
Xanthophyll is the chemical that makes leaves YELLOW. It also makes corn yellow. American beech tree leaves always turn yellow.
Carotene is the chemical that makes leaves ORANGE - now you know how carrots got their name.
Anthocyanin causes leaves to turn RED - like those found in red maples.
Without leaves, the tree cannot make food, so it uses the food that it has stored in its sap.
DID YOU KNOW: Not only trees change colors - the leaves of POISON IVY and other plants are known for their bright fall colors.
Keep exploring our great world of science!
-Science Bob
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