Carbon atoms in glycerol and pyruvate

Greetings!

I've been taking a short sabbatical following the completion of my Mad Scientist Training Academy at the Minnesota Fringe Festival, but have no fear, Dr. Volt, certified mad scientist, has returned to continue to take your questions.

Today's question comes from Lily who asks, "How many carbon atoms there are in glycerol and pyruvate?"

Well Lily, this is actually a very simple question indeed. All we need to do is look up the molecular formula of each chemical to determine the number of carbon atoms per molecule. Glycerol's molecular formula is C₃H₅(OH)₃, which gives it three carbon atoms per molecule. Pyruvate is an ionic form of pyruvic acid. Pyruvic acid has a molecular formula of CH₃COCOOH, while pyruvate's molecular formula is CH₃COCOO^-, but both have a total of three carbon atoms per molecule.

Thank you for your question, Lily!