Question

A tree called the flowering plum has pink flowers in spring and deep-purple leaves in summer. What types of photosynthetic pigments are plentiful in the leaves of this plant? Can photosynthesis occur in these purple leaves? Explain your answer.

Answer 1

The deep-purple leaves of the flowering plum tree suggest the presence of additional photosynthetic pigments besides chlorophyll. Photosynthesis can still occur in these purple leaves as chlorophyll absorbs light for the photosynthesis process and the additional pigments expand the range of light absorption.

Step-by-step explanation:

The leaves of the flowering plum tree exhibit a deep-purple color during summer, indicative of the presence of pigments other than chlorophyll. Even though chlorophyll is typically associated with the green color in leaves, the purple hue suggests an abundance of other photosynthetic pigments, such as carotenoids and anthocyanins, which may mask the green color of chlorophyll. These pigments absorb different wavelengths of light.

Photosynthesis can still occur in leaves with colors other than green, because chlorophyll still functions to absorb light at specific wavelengths efficient for photosynthesis, primarily blue and red light. The additional pigments not only contribute to the leaf's coloration but also provide the plant with a broader spectrum of light absorption, enhancing the plant's ability to conduct photosynthesis under various light conditions. For instance, in shaded environments like the rainforest floor, plants with a variety of pigments, including those with purple leaves, can absorb light that filters through the canopy.