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This pigment is responsible for the red-yellow coloration seen in leaves during the color change in autumn?

1) Chlorophyll
2) Carotenoids
3) Anthocyanins
4) Xanthophylls

User Myanju
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Carotenoids are responsible for the red-yellow coloration in autumn leaves, reflecting the longer wavelengths as chlorophyll breaks down due to environmental changes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The pigment responsible for the red-yellow coloration seen in leaves during the autumn color change is carotenoids. These pigments become visible when chlorophyll production slows down due to shorter days and cooler temperatures, which is a signal for the leaves to prepare for winter dormancy. While chlorophyll gives leaves their green color by reflecting green wavelengths, carotenoids absorb in the short-wavelength blue region and reflect longer yellow, red, and orange wavelengths. Carotenoids, residing in the thylakoid membrane, also protect the plant by absorbing excess energy and dissipating it as heat.

User Ferdyh
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