State if each of the following processes release or require ATP: 
g. activation of a fatty acid

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context: ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is the primary energy currency of the cell. Processes that require energy input typically consume ATP, while processes that release energy do not.
2. Recall the concept of fatty acid activation: Before fatty acids can undergo β-oxidation (a process to break them down for energy), they must first be activated. This activation involves converting the fatty acid into fatty acyl-CoA.
3. Identify the chemical reaction: The activation of a fatty acid involves the reaction of the fatty acid with coenzyme A (CoA) in the presence of ATP. The reaction can be summarized as: $\mathrm{Fatty} \mathrm{acid}+\mathrm{ATP}+\mathrm{CoA} \to \mathrm{Fatty} \mathrm{acyl}-\mathrm{CoA}+\mathrm{AMP}+\mathrm{PPi}$.
4. Analyze the role of ATP: In this reaction, ATP is hydrolyzed to AMP (adenosine monophosphate) and pyrophosphate (PPi). This indicates that energy from ATP is required to drive the activation process.
5. Conclude: Since ATP is consumed during the activation of a fatty acid, this process requires ATP.

Key Concepts

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

ATP is the primary energy carrier in all living organisms. It stores energy in its high-energy phosphate bonds, which can be released to fuel various cellular processes. Understanding ATP's role is crucial for determining whether a process releases or requires energy during metabolic reactions.

Fatty Acid Activation

Fatty acid activation is the process by which fatty acids are converted into acyl-CoA, a form that can enter metabolic pathways like beta-oxidation. This process requires energy, specifically the hydrolysis of ATP to AMP and pyrophosphate, indicating that it is an energy-consuming reaction.

Metabolic Pathways

Metabolic pathways are sequences of chemical reactions occurring within a cell, where the product of one reaction serves as the substrate for the next. Understanding these pathways helps in identifying whether specific processes, such as fatty acid activation, are energy-requiring or energy-releasing, based on their overall energy balance.