How many Carbon atoms are present in a Pyruvate molecule ?

A pyruvate molecule is a key intermediate in cellular respiration and glycolysis. Its chemical formula is C₃H₄O₃, which tells us that it contains 3 carbon atoms. These carbon atoms play a crucial role in energy metabolism: during glycolysis, glucose (6 carbons) is broken down into two pyruvate molecules (each with 3 carbons), which are then used in the Krebs cycle to produce ATP, the energy currency of the cell.

Answer: A pyruvate molecule contains 3 carbon atoms.