The reverse Krebs cycle is proposed to be a major role in the pathophysiology of melanoma. Melanoma tumors are known to alter normal metabolic pathways in order to utilize waste products. These metabolic adaptations help the tumor adapt to its metabolic needs. The most well known adaptation is the Warburg effect where tumors increase their uptake and utilization of glucose. Glutamine is one of the known substances to be utilized in the reverse Krebs cycle in order to produce acetyl-CoA. This type of mitochondrial activity could provide a new way to identify and target cancer causing cells.