What Role Do Mitochondria Play in Tumor Metabolism?
Despite the reliance on glycolysis, mitochondria still play a crucial role in cancer cell metabolism. They are involved in: 1. Biosynthetic Processes: Mitochondria provide key metabolites for anabolic pathways. 2. Redox Balance: They help maintain redox balance and produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can signal for cell proliferation. 3. Apoptosis Regulation: Mitochondria are central regulators of apoptosis, and their function is often altered in cancer cells to prevent cell death.