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 important metabolic functions are globular in shape, as well as many signal transduction proteins.

Metabolism is the biochemical modification of chemical compounds in living organisms and cells. This implies the biosynthesis of intricate biological molecules (anabolism) and their breakdown (catabolism). Metabolism commonly consists of chains of enzymatic reactions, also known as metabolic pathways.

Cell metabolism is the mechanism (or really the sum of several ongoing individual processes) by which living cells process nutrient molecules and keep a living state. Metabolism has two different divisions: anabolism, in which a cell uses energy and reducing power to make complex molecules and complete 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 implies extremely intricate sequences of controlled chemical reactions called metabolic pathways.

Protein catabolism is the breakdown of proteins into amino acids and basic derivative elements, for transport into the cell through the plasmatic membrane and ultimately for the polymerization into new proteins through the use of ribonucleic acids (RNA) and ribosomes.

Through the metabolic mechanisms enzymes (all enzymes are proteins) are able of quickly reducing the swelling or edema of traumatized or injured tissues by actually "digesting" or breaking down flawed tissues and ruptured cells at the site of wound, allowing these waste materials to be removed quickly from skin lesions so as to minimize inflammation and subsequent pain, speeding the healing mechanism. This process ultimately repairs damaged tissue and invigorates skin.

Enzymes act as signal transduction or messengers that control biological mechanisms

In biology, signal transduction is any mechanism by which a cell transforms one kind of signal or stimulus into a different one. Processes known as signal transduction often involve a chain of biochemical activities inside the cell, which are carried out by enzymes and linked by second messengers. Such mechanisms occur in as little time as a millisecond or as long as a few seconds.

In several transduction mechanisms, 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 produces a small stimulus eliciting a large response.

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

- Enzymes, by accelerating biological reactions occurring in the body in mild conditions and with a great specificity.

- Messengers, by transmitting messages to control organic processes. This work is performed by hormones, i.e. insulin etc.

- Carriers 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.