Definitions
- Describing a substance that undergoes a chemical reaction. - Referring to a substance that is consumed during a chemical reaction. - Talking about a substance that is present at the beginning of a chemical reaction.
- Describing a substance on which an enzyme acts. - Referring to a surface or material on which a chemical reaction occurs. - Talking about a substance that is transformed by a chemical reaction.
List of Similarities
- 1Both are involved in chemical reactions.
- 2Both can be consumed or transformed during a reaction.
- 3Both are essential for the reaction to occur.
- 4Both can affect the rate of the reaction.
- 5Both are important in understanding the mechanism of the reaction.
What is the difference?
- 1Role: Reactant is a substance that undergoes a chemical reaction, while substrate is a substance on which an enzyme acts.
- 2Location: Reactant is present at the beginning of the reaction, while substrate may be added during the reaction.
- 3Function: Reactant is transformed into a product, while substrate is transformed by the enzyme into a product.
- 4Scope: Reactant is a broader term that applies to all chemical reactions, while substrate is specific to enzyme-catalyzed reactions.
- 5Usage: Reactant is more commonly used in general chemistry, while substrate is more commonly used in biochemistry.
Remember this!
Reactant and substrate are both substances involved in chemical reactions, but they have different roles and functions. A reactant is a substance that undergoes a chemical reaction, while a substrate is a substance on which an enzyme acts. While reactant is a broader term that applies to all chemical reactions, substrate is specific to enzyme-catalyzed reactions. Understanding the difference between these terms is important in understanding the mechanism of chemical reactions.
