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Globular or 'spheroproteins' like those in the snail secretions are strongly soluble in aqueous solutions. They work 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 includes 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 method (or actually the sum of many ongoing individual processes) 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 complete other life functions like creatingconstructing cellular structure; and catabolism, in which a cell separate elements in order to obtain more raw material and energy. Cell metabolism involves highly intricate 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 plasmatic wall and ultimately for the polymerization into new proteins through 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 damaged tissues and damaged cells at the site of wound, allowing these waste materials to be eliminated quickly from skin lesions so as to minimize inflammation and subsequent pain, accelerating the healing process. This process ultimately repairs damaged tissue and invigorates skin.

Enzymes work as signal transduction or messengers that control biological processes

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

In many transduction processes, an increasing number of enzymes and other molecules become engaged in the events that proceed from the initial stimulus. In these cases the chain of steps is referred to 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 only play a supportive function, globular proteins can work as:

- Enzymes, by catalyzing biological reactions occurring in the organism 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.