Final answer:
Three AMP molecules are expected to be formed during the activation step in the cytoplasm for one triglyceride molecule, as each of the three fatty acids of the triglyceride needs to be activated, using one molecule of ATP each and converting it to AMP.
Step-by-step explanation:
To answer the question of how many AMP molecules are formed during the activation step that occurs in the cytoplasm for one triglyceride molecule, we need to consider the structure of a triglyceride. A triglyceride is composed of a glycerol backbone attached to three fatty acid chains. During the activation process, each of these fatty acids must be activated by an enzyme called acyl-CoA synthetase. This activation involves the conversion of ATP to AMP, which means two high-energy phosphate bonds are used up in the process.
Since there are three fatty acids in one triglyceride molecule that must be activated, three molecules of ATP will be used, and hence, three molecules of AMP will be generated as a result of the activation of one triglyceride molecule. This activation step is essential for the fatty acids to undergo beta-oxidation in the mitochondria, which is part of the fat metabolism process.