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Question #47660
The Question
Highly metastatic cancer cells rely predominantly on glycolysis to meet their massive ATP demands for migration (Warburg effect). A novel chemotherapeutic drug specifically inhibits the enzyme responsible for the second substrate-level phosphorylation (SLP) event in the glycolytic pathway. Which of the following will be the direct biochemical consequence in these treated cells?
Options
- A.
Accumulation of 1,3-bisphosphoglyceric acid (BPGA) and failure to generate the first two ATP molecules of the payoff phase.
- B.
Accumulation of Phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP), leading to a severe ATP deficit that halts ATP-dependent metastatic motility.
- C.
Inability to convert Fructose-1,6-bisphosphate into triose phosphates, causing an immediate collapse of the preparatory phase.
- D.
Enhanced conversion of Pyruvic acid to Lactic acid by lactate dehydrogenase to compensate for the lost ATP generation.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
Pyruvate Kinase|Metastasis|Glycolysis|Cancer Metabolism
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Sequencing the exact SLP steps in glycolysis and understanding metabolic bottlenecks.
Students often know glycolysis produces ATP but fail to distinguish the first SLP (BPGA -> 3-PGA) from the second SLP (PEP -> Pyruvate).
Furthermore, the 'Common Half-Truth' trap in Option D tests if students realize that blocking the final step of glycolysis eliminates the substrate (Pyruvate) required for anaerobic fermentation.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Respiration in Plants - Class 11 |
| Concept | Substrate Level Phosphorylation (SLP) Sites |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |