Vitamin K exists in multiple forms, including vitamin K1, K2, and K3. Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) is synthesized by plants, while vitamin K2 (menaquinone) is synthesized in the large intestine by bacteria. All forms of vitamin K are naphthoquinone derivatives that contain a functional naphthoquinone ring and an aliphatic side chain. Vitamin K is required for the production of blood clotting factors and is essential for coagulation.