Why do leaves change color in autumn? Researchers have identified a strictly scientific motivation thanks to new research that has discovered the gene that gives autumn the most beautiful colors.
Why do leaves change color in autumn? Researchers have identified a strictly scientific motivation thanks to new research they have discovered the gene that gives autumn the most beautiful colors.
We know well that in autumn the leaves of non-evergreen trees gradually lose their bright green color and turn from orange to yellow. This is due to one transformation of chlorophyll.
In fact, it is chlorophyll that gives the leaves their typical green color, but with the arrival of autumn it transforms into a different molecule where the pigments that give the leaves that characteristic prevail. yellow or orange color, starting for example from carotenoids.
The new research was conducted by experts from the University of Hokkaido and was published on the pages of The Plant Cell.
In plant life the chlorophyll pigment plays a fundamental role in photosynthesis, the process that transforms sunlight into energy. The colors of the leaves in autumn fade when the chlorophyll degrades in the normal process of 'aging', or rather, the senescence of the leaves. Experts have found that the degradation of chlorophyll is due toenzyme named Mg-dechelatase.
Photo source: Plant Cell
Researchers have now shown that a very important role plays a very important role in the degradation process of chlorophyll gene now called Stay-Green (SGR). According to the latest discoveries, the Mg-dechelatase enzyme is involved in the degradation of chlorophyll through the SGR gene.
Read also: THE SUCCESS OF THE SEASONS AND THE COLORS OF AUTUMN IN A FEW SECONDS (VIDEO)
However, in the opinion of the researchers themselves a topic still to be explored to better understand the mechanisms of functioning of genes and enzymes in photosynthesis and in the change of color of leaves. Researchers are convinced that they will soon discover something new.
Marta Albè
