Number of carbon atoms present in citric acid, oxaloacetic acid and pyruvic acid are respectively

Options

A. 6, 3 and 3
B. 6, 4 and 3
C. 5, 4 and 3
D. 6, 4 and 2

Answer

To determine the number of carbon atoms present in citric acid, oxaloacetic acid, and pyruvic acid, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Structure of Pyruvic Acid
- Pyruvic acid is the end product of glycolysis, which is the breakdown of glucose.
- The molecular formula of pyruvic acid is C3H4O3.
- Therefore, pyruvic acid contains **3 carbon atoms**.

### Step 2: Identify the Structure of Oxaloacetic Acid
- Oxaloacetic acid is involved in the Krebs cycle (citric acid cycle).
- The molecular formula of oxaloacetic acid is C4H4O5.
- Thus, oxaloacetic acid contains **4 carbon atoms**.

### Step 3: Identify the Structure of Citric Acid
- Citric acid is formed when acetyl-CoA combines with oxaloacetic acid in the Krebs cycle.
- The molecular formula of citric acid is C6H8O7.
- Hence, citric acid contains **6 carbon atoms**.

### Conclusion
- The number of carbon atoms present in citric acid, oxaloacetic acid, and pyruvic acid are respectively **6, 4, and 3**.

### Final Answer
- Citric acid: 6 carbon atoms
- Oxaloacetic acid: 4 carbon atoms
- Pyruvic acid: 3 carbon atoms