## **Core Concept**
Cancer cells exhibit altered metabolism to support their rapid growth and proliferation. This altered metabolism is known as the **Warburg effect**, where cancer cells preferentially use glycolysis for energy production even in the presence of oxygen.

## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer, , indicates that cancer cells derive nutrition from **glucose**. This is due to the Warburg effect, where cancer cells exhibit increased glucose uptake and conversion to lactate, even in the presence of sufficient oxygen. This metabolic shift allows cancer cells to generate the necessary building blocks for their rapid growth and proliferation. The increased glucose metabolism in cancer cells is a hallmark of cancer and is used in **PET scans** with **18F-FDG** to detect and monitor cancer.

## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** - This option is incorrect because while some cancer cells may utilize amino acids for nutrition, it is not the primary source of nutrition for cancer cells.
* **Option B:** - This option is incorrect because fatty acids are not the primary source of nutrition for cancer cells, although some cancer cells may use them.
* **Option D:** - This option is incorrect because while vitamins and minerals are essential for overall cellular function, they are not the primary source of nutrition for cancer cells.

## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key clinical pearl is that the Warburg effect is a target for cancer therapy. **Metformin**, a drug commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes, has been investigated for its potential to inhibit cancer cell growth by targeting their metabolic pathways. Additionally, **PET scans** with **18F-FDG** are widely used for cancer diagnosis, staging, and monitoring treatment response, taking advantage of the increased glucose uptake in cancer cells.

## **Correct Answer:** . glucose