What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
reactant
Example
Hydrogen and oxygen are the reactants in the combustion of hydrogen. [reactant: noun]
Example
The reactant concentration affects the rate of the reaction. [reactant: adjective]
substrate
Example
The enzyme substrate complex is formed when the enzyme binds to its substrate. [substrate: noun]
Example
The substrate concentration affects the rate of the reaction. [substrate: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Reactant is more commonly used in general chemistry, while substrate is more commonly used in biochemistry.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between reactant and substrate?
Both reactant and substrate are formal terms used in scientific contexts, particularly in chemistry and biochemistry.
