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Explore why leaves change color in autumn and the process of photosynthesis in middle school science with Mrs. Figoten. Discover why deciduous forests experience this phenomenon and the pigments involved. Learn about chlorophyll, carotene, anthocyanin, and more!
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PHOTOSYNTHESIS & AUTUMN LEAVES Middle School Science Mrs. Figoten
DO LEAVES ON TREES IN ALL BIOMES CHANGE COLOR? Leaves change color seasonally only in deciduous forests.
Warm summers & cold winters 50+ cm precipitation/yr Trees shed leaves yearly WHY ONLY IN DECIDUOUS FORESTS?
AUTUMNLEAFCHANGES What signals leaves to change color in autumn? • Earth’s tilt changes in Northern Hemisphere • Less daylight,cooler temperatures
AUTUMNLEAFCHANGES What causesleafcolor? • 3 pigments in each leaf- the amount in each leaf varies • Chlorophyll • Carotene • Anthocyanin
LEAF PIGMENT: CHLOROPHYLL • Leaf appears green • Present in leaf membrane • Needs sunlight in order to make food for tree through photosynthesis
LEAF PIGMENT: CAROTENE • Leaf appears yellow • Remains in leaf membrane as chlorophyll disappears • Helps with photosynthesis • Birch & Hickory leaves have lots of carotene
LEAF PIGMENT: ANTHOCYANIN • Leaf appears red/purple • Present in cell sap • Reacts with sugar from photosynthesis • In some trees, sugar in leaves increasesin autumn • Red Maple, Red Oak & Sumac leaves have lots of anthocyanin