Submitted by Team_Ed t3_y0gfat in askscience
WorldwidePies t1_irsikkm wrote
Reply to comment by Team_Ed in Is there an evolutionary reason behind deciduous trees’ vibrant fall colours? by Team_Ed
Yes, but it’s not a timed response as much as a temperature response (and admittedly, the cold always comes after the warmth, from the leaves point of view).
We know that carotenoids are present all year round and are seen in autumn because of the chlorophylls degradation. In contrast, anthocyanins are mostly produced in autumn, in response to cold stress. This could be because these pigments have a protecting effect against cold.
About carotenoid synthesis.
About anthocyanins and cold stress.
[deleted] t1_irskyjf wrote
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