Describe the role played by protein pumps during active transport in plants.

Explanation

### Step-by-Step Solution

1. **Definition of Protein Pumps**:
- Protein pumps are specialized carrier proteins located in the cell membrane of plant cells. They play a crucial role in the transport of solutes.

2. **Active Transport Mechanism**:
- Active transport is the process by which substances are moved across a cell membrane against their concentration gradient, meaning from an area of lower concentration to an area of higher concentration.

...