The Warburg effect describes a fundamental metabolic shift in cancer cells characterized by:
- A Preferential use of aerobic glycolysis even in the presence of adequate oxygen ✓
- B Exclusive reliance on oxidative phosphorylation for energy production
- C Upregulation of beta-oxidation to derive energy from fatty acids
- D Increased glutamine catabolism to supply the TCA cycle exclusively
Correct answer: A. Preferential use of aerobic glycolysis even in the presence of adequate oxygen
Explanation
The Warburg effect (aerobic glycolysis) describes the preference of cancer cells for glycolysis and lactate production even when oxygen is abundant, unlike normal cells that switch to oxidative phosphorylation in oxygen. This is not simply due to mitochondrial dysfunction — it supports biosynthesis of macromolecules (pentose phosphate pathway, lipid synthesis) needed for rapid proliferation. This is exploited by FDG-PET scanning, as tumor cells avidly take up glucose.
Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.