Globular or 'spheroproteins' as those in the snail secretions are highly soluble in aqueous solutions. They act as enzymes and signal transduction proteins. Nearly all enzymes with major metabolic functions are globular in shape, as well as various signal transduction proteins.

Metabolism is the biochemical transformation of chemical compounds in living beings and cells. This implies the biosynthesis of complex organic molecules (anabolism) and their division (catabolism). Metabolism usually consists of chains of enzymatic reactions, also called metabolic pathways.

Cell metabolism is the method (or actually the sum of several ongoing individual actions) by which living cells process nutrient molecules and maintain a living status. Metabolism has two different aspects: anabolism, in which a cell uses energy and reducing power to make complex molecules and perform other life functions such a creatingconstructing cellular structure; and catabolism, in which a cell breaks down elements in order to gain more raw material and energy. Cell metabolism involves highly complex sequences of controlled chemical reactions named metabolic pathways.

Protein catabolism is the breakdown of proteins into amino acids and basic derivative compounds, for transport inside the cell through the plasma wall and ultimately for the polymerization into new proteins via the use of ribonucleic acids (RNA) and ribosomes.

Thanks to the metabolic processes enzymes (all enzymes are proteins) are capable of quickly reducing the swelling or edema of traumatized or damaged structures by actually "digesting" or breaking down flawed tissues and ruptured cells at the site of wound, allowing these waste materials to be eliminated quickly from skin lesions so as to reduce inflammation and subsequent pain, accelerating the healing process. This process ultimately repairs damaged tissue and invigorates skin.

Enzymes act as signal transduction or messengers that control biological processes

In biology, signal transduction is every process by which a cell transforms one kind of signal or stimulus into another. Processes known as signal transduction often involve a chain of biochemical reactions inside the cell, which are carried out by enzymes and united through second messengers. Such processes occur in as little time as a millisecond or as long as a few seconds.

In several transduction processes, an increasing number of enzymes and other molecules become engaged in the steps that proceed from the initial stimulus. In these cases the chain of steps is known as a "signaling cascade" or a "second messenger pathway" and usually results in a small stimulus eliciting a major response.

Unlike fibrous proteins (collagen, elastin) which just play a supportive function, globular proteins can act as:

- Enzymes, by accelerating organic reactions taking place in the organism in mild conditions and with a great specificity.

- Messengers, by transmitting messages to control biological processes. This work is carried out by hormones, i.e. insulin etc.

- Transporters of other molecules throughout membranes.

- Reservoirs of amino acids.

All of these natural processes are just as essential to the skin as they are to your whole body. Therefore, it is important to keep them in mind when it comes time to choosing your skin care line.