Warburg effect in cancer cells refers to:
- A Preferential use of oxidative phosphorylation even under hypoxic conditions
- B Aerobic glycolysis — high glucose uptake and lactate production even in the presence of adequate oxygen ✓
- C Increased beta-oxidation of fatty acids to fuel rapid proliferation
- D Upregulation of the electron transport chain to maximize ATP production
Correct answer: B. Aerobic glycolysis — high glucose uptake and lactate production even in the presence of adequate oxygen
Explanation
The Warburg effect describes the preferential use of glycolysis followed by lactate fermentation by cancer cells even when oxygen is plentiful (aerobic glycolysis). This provides biosynthetic precursors for rapid cell proliferation via the pentose phosphate pathway and other anabolic routes. It also acidifies the tumor microenvironment, aiding invasion. PET scanning exploits high glucose uptake via 18F-FDG.
Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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