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B1.2.10 (HL)—Effect of polar/non-polar amino acids

Polar and non-polar amino acids influence protein solubility, membrane position, channel formation, active sites, and folding patterns in different environments.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Objective
B1.2.10
Level
HL

Exam analysis

Chance of appearing1%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceMay 2025
Most common paperPaper1A
Typical marks1

Common command terms

  • Explain
  • Outline

Scoring notes

Common mistake
Putting non-polar R-groups on the outside of soluble proteins without a membrane context.

Recent exam appearances

May 2025Paper1A ["HL"] · TZ24[ 1 ]B1.2.10 (HL)—Effect of polar/non-polar amino acids
Practice this objective

Coverage 2025–2025 · Updated 15 Jul 2026

Concept essentials

  • Polar R-groups are hydrophilic and often face aqueous environments.
  • Non-polar R-groups are hydrophobic and often avoid water.
  • Membrane proteins can expose non-polar regions to lipid tails.
  • Polar amino acids can line hydrophilic channels or contribute to active-site specificity.
ConceptIB Biology HL