Eli5 : What determines the color a tree changes in fall?
In: 5
It’s all about what’s in the leaf! When leaves are green, it’s because chlorophyll is in them, which can cover up other colors. When the chlorophyll is gone, the leaves turn orange or yellow.
Red leaves are due to plants having glucose in their leaves after photosynthesis is over. Daytime sunlight paired with cool autumn nights produces a red color in these leaves.
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