noun
substrate
A substance acted on by an enzyme or catalyst.
The enzyme binds to its substrate and starts the reaction.
Etymology
The components describe what is laid underneath. Chemistry extends that underlying-material image to the substance on which an enzyme or catalyst acts.
More examples
- Starch is a substrate for the enzyme amylase.
- The catalyst converts the substrate into the desired product.
- Some enzymes act on several different substrates.
Forms
substrate · substrates
Similar words
- reactant
- Any substance consumed in a reaction, whether catalyzed or not.
- reagent
- Used to cause or detect reactions, not necessarily acted upon.