Which of the following best describes the mechanism by which Warburg effect provides a survival advantage to tumor cells?
- A Aerobic glycolysis generates biosynthetic precursors for rapid cell proliferation ✓
- B Lactate production increases local pH, inhibiting immune cell function
- C Suppression of oxidative phosphorylation prevents reactive oxygen species generation
- D Glucose oxidation via glycolysis produces more ATP per molecule than OXPHOS
Correct answer: A. Aerobic glycolysis generates biosynthetic precursors for rapid cell proliferation
Explanation
The Warburg effect (aerobic glycolysis) in cancer cells preferentially channels glucose carbons into biosynthetic intermediates—ribose-5-phosphate for nucleotides, glycerol-3-phosphate for lipids, and amino acid precursors—supporting rapid biomass accumulation required for proliferation. Aerobic glycolysis is actually less ATP-efficient per glucose molecule than OXPHOS (net 2 ATP vs 30-38). Lactate acidification does contribute to immune evasion but is not the primary survival advantage described for the Warburg effect itself.
Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
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