7. Look at leaves of the same plant on the shady side and compare it with the leaves on the sunny side. Or, compare the potted plants kept in the sunlight with those in the shade. Which of them has leaves that are darker green ? Why?
7. Look at leaves of the same plant on the shady side and compare it with the leaves on the sunny side. Or, compare the potted plants kept in the sunlight with those in the shade. Which of them has leaves that are darker green ? Why?

Solution:

Shaded leaves receive less sunlight for photosynthesis than plants that are kept in direct sunshine. More chlorophyll is found in leaves that receive less sunlight, allowing for more effective photosynthesis. The chloroplasts in the mesophyll cells are oriented irregularly and in vertical files along the walls in the presence of high light. In addition, photooxidation of chloroplasts occurs in intense light, whereas non-oxidation occurs in shaded areas. As a result of the high concentration of chlorophyll in the leaves of plants kept in the shadow, they have dark green leaves.