Why upper surface of leaves is more green and shiny than the lower one?
I have properly googled this and got various answers. However, those answers do not provide an answer to the "Why" part of my question. Why is it that the upper surface of leaves is more green than the lower one? Some sites suggest that it is because of the thick cuticle. Yet, that sounds weird and doesn't fully convince me. What other reasons to why the upper surface of leaves is more green and shiny than the lower one, could there be?
More
1 Expert Answer
Theresa N. answered • 06/11/19
Tutor
5
(10)
Anatomy & Physiology Tutor, Music Educator, and Nurse!
Plants need to collect the energy of the sun via chlorophyll so the chlorophyll rich chloroplasts which reflect green light are located in the greatest density on the top surface of the plant. However, the reason that the plants leaves are shinier on top is due to a protective wax call cutin that helps the plant to retain water during transpiration.
Still looking for help? Get the right answer, fast.
Ask a question for free
Get a free answer to a quick problem.
Most questions answered within 4 hours.
OR
Find an Online Tutor Now
Choose an expert and meet online. No packages or subscriptions, pay only for the time you need.
Kiera L.
It is called Suberin! I am taking a Botany class currently. Suberin is (a) waxy (cuticle) for the function of water conservation and to withstand extreme winter conditions e.i: chunks of snow on a plant. A less shiny under part of the leaf is a lack of Suberin production because it doesn't need to. There are leaves with uniform layer of cuticle. I have a succulent thats shiny all around, I don't know what the plant name is unfortunately. In terms of green-ness, chloroplast gives the green pigment. Variegation are the leaves that are not green entirely/ other colors and I would recommend that direction of research for your question. Best of luck.02/11/21