The metabolic properties of cells and tissues are essential for several reasons:
Disease diagnosis: Abnormal metabolic activities often indicate disease. For example, increased glycolysis in cancer cells, known as the Warburg effect, can be detected using histological techniques. Understanding cellular function: Metabolism is central to cell function and survival. By studying metabolic properties, researchers can gain insights into how cells maintain homeostasis and respond to stress. Therapeutic development: Knowledge of cellular metabolism can lead to the development of targeted therapies. For instance, inhibitors of specific metabolic pathways are being explored as cancer treatments.
