The Warburg effect in cancer cells refers to which metabolic phenomenon?
- A Aerobic glycolysis with lactate production despite oxygen availability ✓
- B Preferential use of oxidative phosphorylation even in anaerobic conditions
- C Increased fatty acid oxidation to fuel rapid cell division
- D Upregulation of the pentose phosphate pathway exclusively
Correct answer: A. Aerobic glycolysis with lactate production despite oxygen availability
Explanation
The Warburg effect describes the preference of cancer cells for aerobic glycolysis — conversion of glucose to lactate even in the presence of oxygen — rather than oxidative phosphorylation. This generates ATP less efficiently per glucose molecule but provides metabolic intermediates for biosynthesis and supports rapid proliferation. This phenomenon is exploited in FDG-PET imaging, where glucose avidity reflects high metabolic activity of tumors.
Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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