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Why are leaves green?

May 2, 2023 By Emma Vanstone Leave a Comment

If you take a look outside, you’ll probably see lots of green. Green grass, green leaves covering trees and green plants, but why are leaves green?

Most plant leaves are green as they contain a pigment called chlorophyll which is green.

Small pea plant next to a brightly coloured watering can

Chlorophyll is needed for plants to absorb sunlight which they need to make glucose through a process called photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis takes place in the chloroplasts of a plant cell. It is chloroplasts that contain the green chlorophyll. Chloroplasts are a bit like tiny solar panels making energy from the light of the sun.

plant cell diagram showing the different organelles

Definition of chlorophyll

Chlorophyll is the pigment in certain types of cells where photosynthesis occurs.

What are variegated leaves?

Variegated leaves are leaves with more than one colour. The leaves below have white areas which don’t contain any chlorophyll.

Beautiful variegated leaves of Giant Hawaiian Pothos climbing on top of a tree — Beautiful variegated leaves of Giant Hawaiian Pothos

More about plants and chlorophyll

Some types of algae called Chlorophyta also contain chlorophyll.

Find out why poinsettia plants have red leaves!

Learn about plant cells with a plant cell model.

plant cell model made from modroc

Find out why leaves change colour in autumn.

Image of a hand holding a small green plant

More science questions for kids

Last Updated on May 2, 2023 by Emma Vanstone

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