​The gradient of oxygen available to cells at inner regions of a tumour tissue environment is typically low, creating a hypoxic micro-environment. If enough oxygen is supplied to the cancer cells residing in the hypoxic micro-environment, which one of the following processes may NOT occur?​

Correct option is B

Explanation-

In hypoxic tumor cells, due to low oxygen, cells rely heavily on aerobic glycolysis, converting glucose → pyruvate → lactate, even if some oxygen is present. This is called the Warburg effect - preference for glycolysis even in presence of some oxygen, because it's faster, supports biosynthesis, and supports the tumor microenvironment.
When enough oxygen is supplied then oxygen enables oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in mitochondria, HIF-1α becomes unstable and degraded and Genes promoting glycolysis and lactate production are downregulated. The Warburg effect is suppressed.
So, glucose is no longer converted to lactate — instead, pyruvate enters the TCA cycle.

Correct answer: Option b
Because the Warburg effect is suppressed with sufficient oxygen, glucose to lactate conversion may not occur.