The “Warburg effect” describes what phenomenon in cancer cells

The “Warburg effect” describes what phenomenon in cancer cells?

A) Preference of the use of aerobic glycolysis for ATP production

B) Being resistant to apoptosis signals

C) Ability to undergo an unlimited number of cell divisions

D) Ability to recruit blood vessels

The correct answer and explanation is:

The correct answer is:

A) Preference of the use of aerobic glycolysis for ATP production.

Explanation:

The Warburg effect refers to the phenomenon where cancer cells preferentially use aerobic glycolysis for ATP production, even in the presence of sufficient oxygen. Normally, cells rely on oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria to generate ATP when oxygen is available. This process is highly efficient, producing large amounts of ATP from glucose. However, cancer cells shift towards aerobic glycolysis, a less efficient process, where glucose is converted into lactate even in the presence of oxygen.

This metabolic switch is thought to provide advantages for cancer cells. First, glycolysis allows for the rapid production of ATP and intermediates that can be used in biosynthetic pathways, supporting the rapid growth and proliferation of cancer cells. The increased production of lactate also helps in creating an acidic microenvironment, which can promote tumor invasion and immune evasion.

Additionally, this metabolic shift supports other aspects of tumor biology, such as the ability to maintain high rates of cell division and survival. By favoring aerobic glycolysis, cancer cells can generate the necessary building blocks for nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids, which are critical for producing new cells.

The Warburg effect was first observed by the German scientist Otto Warburg in the 1920s, and though its exact cause remains a topic of research, it is now recognized as a hallmark of many types of cancer. Targeting the enzymes and pathways involved in this metabolic reprogramming is an area of interest for developing new cancer therapies.