Warburg effect in tumor cells refers to preferential use of which metabolic pathway even in the presence of adequate oxygen?
- A Oxidative phosphorylation
- B Beta-oxidation of fatty acids
- C Aerobic glycolysis ✓
- D Pentose phosphate pathway
Correct answer: C. Aerobic glycolysis
Explanation
The Warburg effect describes the preference of cancer cells for aerobic glycolysis — conversion of glucose to lactate even when oxygen is plentiful — rather than efficient oxidative phosphorylation. This provides biosynthetic intermediates for rapid cell proliferation. FDG-PET imaging exploits this by detecting tumors with high glucose uptake.
Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.