In autumn, chlorophyll is degraded in the leaves of deciduous trees. Why do the leaves change color to shades of yellow, orange, or red?
A) Sugars from sap fill the leaves prior to winter.
B) Degraded chlorophyll changes into many other colors.
C) In the absence of photosynthesis, the leaves produce energy exclusively by aerobic cellular respiration.
D) Other pigments such as carotenoids are still present in the leaves.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Chlorophyll masks the colors of other pigments such as carotenoids in leaves during the growing season. As chlorophyll degrades in autumn, the other pigments become visible, giving the leaves their vibrant colors of yellow, orange, and red. So, option D is correct as other pigments such as carotenoids are still present in leaves. Option A, B, and C are incorrect as they are not related to the phenomenon of leaf color changing in autumn.

In Autumn, Chlorophyll Is Degraded in the Leaves of Deciduous