Final answer:
True, the potential energy in an ATP molecule is primarily derived from the high-energy bonds between its three phosphate groups, which release energy when hydrolyzed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the potential energy in an ATP molecule is derived mainly from its three phosphate groups is true. ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, is known as the energy currency of the cell because it provides energy for various cellular processes. ATP is composed of an adenosine molecule, which includes a nitrogenous base adenine and a five-carbon sugar (ribose), and three phosphate groups. The energy stored in ATP comes primarily from the bonds between these phosphate groups. Specifically, the bonds that connect the phosphates, known as phosphoanhydride bonds, are high in energy. When ATP undergoes hydrolysis, it converts into ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and an inorganic phosphate (P1), releasing energy that cells can use to perform work.
This energy release is facilitated by the enzymatic process of dephosphorylation, where the third phosphate group is typically removed. The negative charges on the phosphate groups repel each other, making the bonds between them unstable and high in potential energy. When these bonds are broken, the stored energy is released and used for cellular activities, such as muscle contraction, transportation of molecules across cell membranes, and the synthesis of macromolecules.