The arrival of autumn is a great reason to talk about chemistry: When tree leaves change from green to reds, oranges, yellows, and browns, we’re seeing the tree’s green chlorophyll fade away, revealing hidden autumnal pigments. A tree’s sunlight exposure and stored sugars also get credit for helping create more brilliant fall colors. ACS Reactions explains more why leaves change color.
Learn more about chlorophyll, carotenoids, xanthophylls, and anthocyanins with this autumn DIY experiment: Leaf Color Chromatography with Alex Dainis.
via @ScienceChannel.
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