Question

3. Cancer cells undergo rapid unrestrained proliferation. The increased reliance of cancer cells upon glycolysis therefore seems paradoxical, since glycolysis generates only 2 ATP from each glucose molecule, whereas complete oxidative respiration of glucose generates up to 36 ATPs per molecule. Which of the following best explains why glycolysis may be advantageous to rapidly proliferating cancer cells?

a. Glycolysis generates NADH that can be used as a source of reducing power for macromolecular synthesis.

b. Glycolysis produces intermediates that can be used to generate macro- molecules needed for cell growth.

c. Relative to aerobic respiration, glycolysis produces more NADH, which can be used as an energy source.

d. Unlike aerobic respiration, glycolysis produces fatty acids, which can be stored as a source of energy.

Explain answer:

Answer 1

3)

Correct option is C - Relative to aerobic respiration, glycolysis produces more NADH, which can be used as a source of energy

Cancer cells require a lot of energy. As per the Warburg effect, cancer cells favor aerobic glycolysis for ATP production. Glycolysis produces pyruvate and NADH, an energy source. Cancer cells convert pyruvate into lactate through fermentation using NADH, even in the presence of oxygen. Lactate provides energy to cancer cells.