Question

Pam noticed that in autumn the leaves of the trees changed from green to yellow.

What most like accounts for the yellow color?
A) Chlorophyll is a leaf pigment that can change color when sunlight declines.
B) Chlorophyll changes its absorption spectrum because of declining light.
C) Chlorophyll breaks down, revealing other photosynthetic pigments.
D) Chlorophyll is no longer responsive to electromagnetic energy.

Answer 1

The yellow color of autumn leaves is due to chlorophyll breaking down and revealing other photosynthetic pigments.

Step-by-step explanation:

The yellow color of autumn leaves is most likely due to chlorophyll breaking down and revealing other photosynthetic pigments. During the growing season, chlorophyll is the dominant pigment in leaves, giving them their green color. However, as sunlight declines in autumn, chlorophyll molecules break down and other pigments like carotenoids and anthocyanins become more visible, resulting in the orange and yellow colors of fall foliage.

Learn more about Autumn leaves changing color