The correct answer is C. pyruvate.
Pyruvate is a three-carbon molecule that is formed when glucose is broken down in the first step of cellular respiration. It is then used in the Krebs cycle, which is a series of chemical reactions that produce energy.
Butane is a four-carbon molecule, ethane is a two-carbon molecule, and methane is a one-carbon molecule. These molecules are not involved in the process of cellular respiration.
Here is a diagram of the glycolysis pathway, which is the first step in cellular respiration:
As you can see, glucose is broken down into two pyruvate molecules. These pyruvate molecules are then used in the Krebs cycle, which is the next step in cellular respiration.