Final answer:
The essential component of coenzyme A is pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5. It is involved in energy metabolism and acts as a coenzyme in biochemical reactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The essential component of coenzyme A is pantothenic acid. Pantothenic acid is a water-soluble vitamin, also known as vitamin B5. It plays a crucial role in energy metabolism as it is required for the activation of acetate to acetyl-CoA, which is involved in the citric acid cycle and fatty acid oxidation.
Coenzyme-A, which is formed by the combination of pantothenic acid with other molecules, acts as a coenzyme in various biochemical reactions.