Transcript Code Green: Secrets Revealed by Leaf Color

Why do plants have leaves?
 Photosynthesis
Light Energy + 6CO 2 + 6H 2 O ---> C 6 H 12 O 6 + 6O2
Plant Cell
Chloroplast
Why Do Plants Have Leaves?
 Stems have a lot of tissue volume that needs
energy to support metabolic activities
 Stems have very little surface area
 Leaves add surface area but very little
additional interior to support
Cacti
Succulent Plants
Why Are Leaves Different Thickness?
Sun leaves
Shade leaves
Stomata
Stomata
Stomata
Adaptation for Protection From Ozone
Why Do Some Leaves Have Trichome?
Sycamore Leaf
Phototropic
Spectral Signature for Pine Needles
80%
60%
40%
Spectral Signature for Pine Needles
100%
Percent Reflectance
Percent Reflectance
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0%
400
500
700
800
900
1000
Wavelength (nm)
20%
0%
400
600
500
600
700
800
Wavelength (nm)
900
1000
Light
Electromagnetic Spectrum
The ALTA Reflectance Spectrometer
Remote Sensor Imaging
4
6
7
1
5
2
3
Post Lab Discussion….
Percent Reflectance
Spectral Signature
Mature & Young Leaves
Young
Leaf
100%
80%
Mature
Leaf
60%
40%
20%
0%
400
500
600
700
800
Wavelength (nm)
900
1000