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B1.2.12 (HL)—Globular vs. fibrous proteins

Globular proteins are compact and often soluble, while fibrous proteins are elongated, usually insoluble, and commonly structural in biological function.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Objective
B1.2.12
Level
HL

Exam analysis

Chance of appearing4%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceMay 2025
Most common paperPaper1
Typical marks1–2

Common command terms

  • Outline
  • State
  • Compare
  • Distinguish
  • Identify

Scoring notes

Common mistake
Giving examples without pairing them correctly as globular or fibrous.

Recent exam appearances

May 2025Paper1A ["HL"] · TZ34[ 1 ]B1.2.12 (HL)—Globular vs. fibrous proteins
May 2019Paper1 ["HL"] · TZ216[ 1 ]B1.2.12 (HL)—Globular vs. fibrous proteins
May 2018Paper1 ["HL"] · TZ18[ 1 ]B1.2.12 (HL)—Globular vs. fibrous proteins
May 2015Paper2 ["HL"] · TZ12(b)(iii)[ 2 ]B1.2.12 (HL)—Globular vs. fibrous proteins
Practice this objective

Coverage 2015–2025 · Updated 15 Jul 2026

Concept essentials

  • Globular proteins are compact and often water soluble.
  • Fibrous proteins are elongated and usually insoluble.
  • Globular proteins often function in transport, catalysis, signalling or defence.
  • Fibrous proteins commonly provide structural support or tensile strength.
ConceptIB Biology HL