Anabolism and Catabolism
Globular or ’spheroproteins’ as those in the snail secretions are strongly soluble in aqueous solutions. They act as enzymes and signal transduction proteins. Virtually all enzymes with important metabolic activities are globular in shape, as well as many signal transduction proteins.
Metabolism is the biochemical transformation of chemical compounds in living beings and cells. This implies the biosynthesis of intricate biological molecules (anabolism) and their breakdown (catabolism). Metabolism usually consists of sequences 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 divisions: anabolism, in which a cell uses energy and reducing power to construct complex molecules and perform other life functions such a 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 called metabolic pathways.
Protein catabolism is the breakdown of proteins into amino acids and simple derivative compounds, for transport inside the cell through the plasma membrane and ultimately for the polymerization into new proteins through the use of ribonucleic acids (RNA) and ribosomes.
Through the metabolic processes enzymes (all enzymes are proteins) are able of rapidly reducing the swelling or edema of traumatized or injured tissues by actually “digesting” or breaking down damaged tissues and damaged cells at the site of injury, allowing these waste materials to be removed rapidly 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 act as signal transduction or messengers that control organical processes
In biology, signal transduction is any process by which a cell transforms one kind of signal or stimulus into a different one. Mechanisms known as signal transduction often involve a sequence 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 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 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 only play a structural role, globular proteins can act as:
- Enzymes, by accelerating biological reactions occurring in the organism 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.
- 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.
A new skin care product offers the chance to eliminate scars, blemishes and other skin imperfections, while at the same time protects you skin and keeps its hydration.
- Linda Gladhill
