Question

Plant cell membrane proteins that carryout primary active transport are called

• A. Carriers
• B. Pumps
• C. Channels
• D. Peripheral proteins

Hint:

Active Transport = Needs Energy (ATP) + Moves against gradient.
Think of a "water pump" that pushes water uphill—it needs electricity (energy) to work!

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the specific term used to describe membrane proteins that use metabolic energy (ATP) to transport solutes against their electrochemical gradient.
Detailed Explanation:

• Primary Active Transport:
This type of transport is directly coupled to an energy-yielding chemical reaction, most commonly the hydrolysis of ATP.
The proteins responsible are called Pumps.
A prime example in plant cells is the $H^+$-ATPase (Proton pump), which uses ATP to pump protons out of the cell, creating an electrochemical gradient used for secondary transport.

• Analyzing other options:
Channels: These allow the passive flow of ions/molecules down their gradient. They are highly selective and very fast.
Carriers: These bind the solute on one side and change conformation to release it on the other. They can be involved in facilitated diffusion (passive) or secondary active transport, but "Pumps" is the term reserved for primary active transport.
Peripheral proteins: These are located on the surface of the membrane and are not involved in trans-membrane transport.

Step 2: Final Answer:
Proteins involved in primary active transport are known as pumps.