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B2.1.7—Pump proteins

Pump proteins use ATP to move specific ions or molecules against concentration gradients, enabling active transport and maintained gradients; This allows cells to build and maintain gradients that diffusion cannot create.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Objective
B2.1.7
Level
HL

Exam analysis

Chance of appearing4%of analysed past papers
Latest appearanceMay 2024
Most common paperPaper1
Typical marks1–3

Common command terms

  • Explain
  • Identify
  • Deduce

Scoring notes

Common mistake
Calling pump proteins channels when the mark scheme rejects channels for active transport.

Recent exam appearances

May 2024Paper2 ["HL"] · TZ12(c)[ 3 ]B2.1.7—Pump proteins
November 2018Paper2 ["HL"] · TZ06(a)[ 3 ]B2.1.7—Pump proteins
November 2018Paper1 ["HL"] · TZ04[ 1 ]B2.1.7—Pump proteins
November 2016Paper1 ["HL"] · TZ04[ 1 ]B2.1.7—Pump proteins
May 2014Paper1 ["HL"] · TZ23[ 1 ]B2.1.7—Pump proteins
Practice this objective

Coverage 2014–2024 · Updated 15 Jul 2026

Concept essentials

  • Pump proteins use ATP to move substances across membranes.
  • Active transport can move solutes against concentration gradients.
  • Pumps are specific and often change shape during transport.
  • Ion gradients maintained by pumps support absorption, membrane potentials, and cellular control.
ConceptIB Biology HL