Glossary
anthocyanins (an-thuh-SY-uh-nihnz):
pigments that give leaves red or purple colors
carotenoids (kuh-RA-tuh-noydz):
pigments that give leaves yellow or orange colors
cell:
the basic unit of any living thing
chlorophyll (KLOHR-uh-fihl):
a pigment inside chloroplasts, which are inside plant cells,
that makes leaves green and helps make food for plants
chloroplasts (KLOHR-uh-plast):
small parts inside plant cells that contain chlorophyll
deciduous (dih-SIHD-juh-wuhs):
trees or other plants that lose their leaves every year
evergreen:
a tree or other plant with leaves that remain green all year
gas:
a substance, such as air, that spreads to fill any space that holds it. Leaves take in a
gas called carbon dioxide from the air to make food for plants.
pigments (PIG-muhntz):
substances that give color to animals and plants
tannins (TA-nuhnz):
substances that give leaves a brown color
Hands-on Experiments with Leaves and Pigments
Do you want to do more with leaves than collect them? Here are a few fun ideas you can
try! Safety note: Be sure to ask an adult for help with these experiments.
Coffee Filter Experiment
Leaf Pigment Extraction
Red Cabbage Anthocyanin Experiment
