Final answer:
Vitamins are divided into two groups based on their solubility characteristics: fat-soluble vitamins and water-soluble vitamins.
Step-by-step explanation:
Vitamins are organic compounds that are essential for maintaining normal metabolism. They are divided into two groups based on their solubility characteristics: fat-soluble vitamins and water-soluble vitamins. Fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, E, and K, while water-soluble vitamins include the B complex vitamins and vitamin C.
Water-soluble vitamins, encompassing the B-complex vitamins and vitamin C, often act as coenzymes in various metabolic processes. They are more frequently needed for enzymatic reactions including decarboxylation and oxidation-reduction reactions. Given their hydrophilic nature, excess amounts of these vitamins are typically excreted and not stored, necessitating a consistent intake from the diet.