Science Photo of the Day
How can evergreen leaves survive all winter, while the leaves of many other plants freeze and die?
Marvelous! Some evergreen plants have needles as leaves, but others, such as holly, have more normal leaves. In both cases, one of the main strategies for surviving freezing temperatures is often called cold sweetening. The plant stores sugars, proteins, and other chemicals in the leaves. This lowers the freezing point of the water to help protect the leaves.
Sugar is also used to replace some of the water in the cell membranes, strengthening them and reducing ice damage.
BECAUSE THEY ARE CALLED
BECAUSE THEY ARE CALLED EVERGREENS
how leaves don't freeze
the needles store water until it is needed, kind of like a camel. but the water is changed by chemicals to keep the needles and the water thawed out. the water can still be used by the plant, even with the chemicals. Where did you take the picture?
Tobias (11)
Forever Green
The needles of an evergreen tree has evolved to minimise water loss and hold onto to essential energy within their leaves. This is why they can survive all read round. Adaption is amazing!
From Issy
Evergreen Evergreens
I think Evergreens are always green because they make chlorophyl all year round and they also have a protective coating surrounding the leaves, you know the harder spiny outside that is on many of those kinds of trees.
St Mark's C of E Junior School - 6H
The are full of a special chemical that doesn't freeze - a little bit like an anti-freeze.
Is it because of the shape of the leaves and that they are bunched together?
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