Yes, coloured leaves do have chlorophyll.
Even though leaves may appear red, orange, yellow, or brown, they still contain chlorophyll, the green pigment necessary for photosynthesis. The green colour is often masked by other pigments that become more prominent during the fall.
Why Leaves Change Color
During the growing season, chlorophyll is abundant in leaves, giving them their characteristic green hue. However, as autumn approaches, several changes occur:
- Chlorophyll Breakdown: As temperatures drop and daylight hours shorten, trees begin to break down chlorophyll.
- Other Pigments Become Visible: As chlorophyll degrades, other pigments already present in the leaf, such as carotenoids (yellow and orange) and anthocyanins (red and purple), become visible.
- Anthocyanin Production: In some trees, sugars trapped in the leaves due to the abscission layer (which blocks nutrient flow out of the leaf) are used to create anthocyanins, resulting in red or purple leaves.
Photosynthesis Still Occurs
Even with the reduced amount of chlorophyll and the presence of other pigments, coloured leaves can still perform photosynthesis, although at a reduced rate. The chlorophyll that remains can still absorb sunlight and convert it into energy. Eventually, the leaf will abscise from the tree and no longer contribute to photosynthesis.
