What is the effect of sunlight on plants and why is it necessary for the survival of a plant?
Things Required:
House plant
Black construction paper
Scissors
Tape (cellophane)
Directions:
Cut two pieces of black construction paper large enough to cover one leaf on the plant. Sandwich the leaf between the two paper pieces. Tape the paper together. It is important that the leaf does not receive any sunlight. Wait for 7 days.
Uncover the leaf and observe its colour.
This Is What Happens:
The leaf is much paler than other leaves on the plant.
Science Behind It:
A green chemical called chlorophyll gives leaves their green colour. In the absence of sunlight, the green pigment is used up and not replenished in the leaf resulting in a light-coloured leaf. Since chlorophyll is necessary for the survival of a plant, the leaf will die without sunlight.
