Question:medium
The phenomenon by which cancer cells are able to sustain and proliferate under adverse conditions of hypoxia is?
The phenomenon by which cancer cells are able to sustain and proliferate under adverse conditions of hypoxia is?
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Named after the scientist who described aerobic glycolysis in tumours.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
- Warburg
- Wanton
- Wormian
- Wolf
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Solid tumours frequently outgrow their blood supply, creating regions of poor oxygen delivery. A specific metabolic strategy allows malignant cells to keep generating energy and dividing in such an environment.
Step 2: Otto Warburg noted that tumour cells rely heavily on glycolysis and lactate production rather than oxidative phosphorylation, a feature retained even when oxygen is plentiful. This rewiring of energy metabolism is the hallmark adaptation.
Step 3: This metabolic reprogramming favours rapid biomass synthesis, supports survival under hypoxia, and drives invasion and spread, so it is labelled a growth-promoting effect.
Step 4: Eliminating the alternatives: Wormian denotes accessory skull bones, Wolffian is an embryological duct system, and Wanton has no oncological meaning.
\[\boxed{\text{Warburg phenomenon}}\]
Step 2: Otto Warburg noted that tumour cells rely heavily on glycolysis and lactate production rather than oxidative phosphorylation, a feature retained even when oxygen is plentiful. This rewiring of energy metabolism is the hallmark adaptation.
Step 3: This metabolic reprogramming favours rapid biomass synthesis, supports survival under hypoxia, and drives invasion and spread, so it is labelled a growth-promoting effect.
Step 4: Eliminating the alternatives: Wormian denotes accessory skull bones, Wolffian is an embryological duct system, and Wanton has no oncological meaning.
\[\boxed{\text{Warburg phenomenon}}\]
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