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?
The limiting factor of photosynthesis is light. When leaves are present in shade, they receive lesser light. Thus, it performs lesser photosynthesis in comparison to the leaves which are present in sunlight. The leaves present in shade possess more chlorophyll pigments to carry out more synthesis. Due to an increase in chlorophyll content, the light absorbed by it increases thus increasing the rate of photosynthesis. Therefore, the leaves present in the shade are greener. Multiple factors affecting the rate of reaction is Light, carbon dioxide, temperature, water. The leaves present in shady areas are greener as compared to leaves present in sunny areas to increase the rate of photosynthesis the production of chlorophyll increase in leaves present in shady areas hence it appears greener. The green color of leaves is due to more production of chlorophyll. Chlorophyll imparts a green color to leaves.
