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

Metabolism is the biochemical transformation of chemical compounds in living organisms and cells. This includes the biosynthesis of complex biological molecules (anabolism) and their breakdown (catabolism). Metabolism usually consists of chains of enzymatic steps, also known as metabolic pathways.

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

Protein catabolism is the rupture of proteins into amino acids and basic derivative elements, for transport inside 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 capable of rapidly reducing the swelling or edema of traumatized or injured structures by actually "digesting" or breaking down damaged tissues and damaged cells at the site of wound, allowing these waste materials to be removed rapidly from skin lesions so as to reduce inflammation and subsequent pain, speeding the healing process. 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 process by which a cell transforms one kind of signal or stimulus into another. Mechanisms 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 mechanisms occur in as little time as a millisecond or as long as a few seconds.

In many transduction mechanisms, an increasing number of enzymes and other molecules become engaged in the events that start from the initial stimulus. In these cases the chain of steps is known as a "signaling cascade" or a "second messenger pathway" and often produces a small stimulus eliciting a major response.

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

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

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

- Transporters of other molecules throughout cellular walls.

- Stocks 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.