| Answer 1: Chlorophyll is essential for photosynthesis, allowing plants to absorb energy from sunlight. You are right that cherry trees would not be able to grow and produce fruit without this energy source. Fortunately, cherry trees DO produce leaves that contain chlorophyll, but these leaves are not always present. Cherry trees are deciduous, meaning they drop their leaves in winter. In early spring cherry blossoms appear and then fall (usually within a week) before the leaves come out. During this time, cherry trees appear to be completely white or pinkish. The absence of green leaves in early spring might make it seem like the tree does not produce chlorophyll. However, cherry blossoms are flowers not leaves. Once the blossoms fall, green chlorophyll-containing leaves appear. These leaves perform photosynthesis, which generates and stores energy, allowing the trees to produce flowers and fruit the following year, even after the leaves have dropped. Hope you have a nice weekend. |
