Why do leaves turn yellow in autumn?

To answer this question, I think another question should be asked: Why are leaves green?

Everything is very simple here: the leaves contain chlorophyll – a green pigment, thanks to which photosynthesis is carried out (the transformation of inorganic compounds into organic substances).

But to maintain it in the body, sunlight and heat are needed. With the onset of autumn, the sunny day decreases and the chlorophyll in the leaves begins to break down. And new dominants appear in the former green leaf – carotenoids. Carotenoids are coloring pigments that are yellow, red and orange.