Leaves appear green because they

Options

A. reflect green light
B. absorb green light
C. both reflect and absorb green light
D. none of these

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Color of Leaves**: Leaves appear green to our eyes. This observation prompts us to explore the reason behind this color.

2. **Understand the Role of Pigments**: The green color of leaves is primarily due to the presence of pigments. In plants, the main pigment responsible for this color is chlorophyll.

3. **Location of Chlorophyll**: Chlorophyll is located in the chloroplasts of plant cells. Chloroplasts are the organelles where photosynthesis occurs.

4. **Function of Chlorophyll**: Chlorophyll plays a crucial role in photosynthesis by absorbing light energy. It absorbs most wavelengths of light, particularly red and blue light.

5. **Reflection of Green Light**: Chlorophyll does not absorb green light; instead, it reflects it. This reflection of green light is what makes leaves appear green to our eyes.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, leaves appear green because chlorophyll absorbs other colors of light (mainly red and blue) and reflects green light.

**Final Answer**: Leaves appear green because they contain chlorophyll, which absorbs red and blue light but reflects green light.

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