The Warburg effect in cancer cells describes aerobic glycolysis. The primary molecular advantage this confers to rapidly proliferating tumour cells is:

• A Higher ATP yield per glucose molecule compared to OXPHOS
• B Diversion of glycolytic intermediates to biosynthetic pathways for macromolecule synthesis ✓
• C Avoidance of reactive oxygen species generated by OXPHOS
• D Faster ATP regeneration rate despite lower efficiency

Explanation

The Warburg effect (aerobic glycolysis converting glucose to lactate even in oxygen) in cancer cells primarily supports anabolic metabolism rather than maximising ATP production. Glycolytic intermediates are diverted to pentose phosphate pathway (nucleotide synthesis), serine/glycine biosynthesis, lipogenesis (acetyl-CoA), and NADPH generation. Option A is incorrect because OXPHOS yields ~30–32 ATP/glucose vs ~2 ATP via aerobic glycolysis. Option C (ROS avoidance) is a secondary benefit but not the primary advantage. Option D (faster ATP regeneration rate) applies but is secondary to the anabolic advantages that support biosynthesis for cell proliferation.

Reference: Harper's Illustrated Biochemistry, 32nd ed.

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