pantothenic acid

[ pan-tuh-then-ik, pan- ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. a hydroxy acid, C 9 H 1 7 O 5 N, found in plant and animal tissues, rice, bran, etc., that is part of the B complex of vitamins and is essential for cell growth.

pantothenic acid

/ ˌpæntəˈθɛnɪk /

noun

1. an oily acid that is a vitamin of the B complex: occurs widely in animal and vegetable foods and is essential for cell growth. Formula: C 9 H 17 NO 5

pantothenic acid

/ păn′tə-thĕn′ĭk /

1. A water-soluble organic acid belonging to the vitamin B complex that is an essential component of coenzyme A. It is a derivative of the amino acid alanine, and it is important in the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. Pantothenic acid is found in all animal and plant cells, but it is particularly abundant in liver, rice bran, molasses, and many vegetables. Chemical formula: C 9 H 17 NO 5 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of pantothenic acid¹

1930–35; < Greek pántothen from all quarters ( panto- panto- + -then suffix of motion from) + -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of pantothenic acid¹

C20: from Greek pantothen from every side