In biology, a substrate is the surface on which an organism (such as a plant, fungus, or animal) lives.
Inert substrates are used as growing support materials in the hydroponic cultivation of plants.
In addition the storage areas should be such where following should be kept properly : (i) liquids-ambient (4–20 °C), (ii) glassware-shelving, (iii) plastics-shelving, (iv) small items-drawers, (v) specialized equipments-cupboard, slow turnover, (vi) chemicals-sidled containers.
There are many types of vertebrate cells that require support for their growth in vitro otherwise they will not grow properly.
Therefore, many substrates which may be adhesive (e.g. plastic, glass, palladium, metallic surfaces, etc.)