[Campbell Biology P.241] Why do most leaves appear green to the human eye? | Practice Question

Why do most leaves appear green to the human eye?

  • A: Chlorophyll absorbs green light and reflects violet-blue and red light.
  • B: Chlorophyll reflects green light while absorbing violet-blue and red light.
  • C: Leaves contain pigments that transmit all wavelengths of visible light except green.
  • D: Leaves appear green because they transmit all wavelengths of light.

Explanation

The text in the "Photosynthetic Pigments: The Light Receptors" section explains that "If a pigment is illuminated with white light, the color we see is the color most reflected or transmitted by the pigment." It specifically states, "We see green when we look at a leaf because chlorophyll absorbs violet-blue and red light while transmitting and reflecting green light."