Final answer:
Pantothenic acid, known as vitamin B5, is the B vitamin found in almost every plant and animal tissue and named for the Greek word "everywhere." It is vital for creating coenzyme-A, necessary for metabolism and widely available in foods like honey.
Step-by-step explanation:
The B vitamin that is found in almost every plant and animal tissue and is named for the Greek word for "everywhere" is pantothenic acid, which is also known as vitamin B5. This vitamin is essential for the synthesis of coenzyme-A (CoA), a vital coenzyme that plays a role in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Pantothenic acid derives its name from the Greek word 'pantothenic' which means 'from everywhere,' an indication of how widespread it is in food sources. Honey is considered one of the richest sources of this vitamin, and it is also synthesized by the intestinal flora to a significant degree.
All B vitamins are water-soluble and are crucial for the body as they are involved in various metabolic processes. Deficiency in any of the B complex vitamins can lead to health issues such as anemia or beriberi. Luckily, vitamins, including the B complex, can be supplemented if the diet lacks them.
Vitamin B6, also a member of the B complex, exists in multiple forms such as pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine. Its chemical name is 2-methyl-3-hydroxy-4, 5-dihydroxymethyl pyridine. The B complex vitamins work together within cells to help produce energy from the food we consume, making them indispensable for health and vitality.