Why do most plant leaves appear green to the human eye?

• A. Anthocyanins in chloroplasts reflect green light, giving leaves their green color.
• B. Carotenoids absorb green wavelengths most strongly, making leaves look green.
• C. Chlorophyll absorbs mainly red and blue wavelengths of light and reflects/transmits green wavelengths.
• D. Chlorophyll absorbs green wavelengths most strongly, so green light dominates what is seen.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the color we perceive from an object depends on the wavelengths of light it reflects or transmits to our eyes.
2. Recall that chlorophyll is the main pigment in plant leaves responsible for capturing light energy for photosynthesis.
3. Know that chlorophyll absorbs light most strongly in the red and blue regions of the visible spectrum, meaning it takes in these wavelengths for energy.
4. Since chlorophyll absorbs red and blue light, it reflects or transmits the green wavelengths, which are not absorbed as much.
5. Therefore, the green light reflected or transmitted by chlorophyll is what reaches our eyes, making most plant leaves appear green.