Metabolism and Enzymatic Action

November 7th, 2008

Globular or ’spheroproteins’ as those in the snail mucous are highly 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 many signal transduction proteins.

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

Cell metabolism is the method (or really the sum of many ongoing individual actions) by which living cells process nutrient molecules and keep a living state. 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 separate elements in order to obtain more raw material and energy. Cell metabolism involves extremely intricate sequences of controlled chemical reactions named metabolic pathways.

Protein catabolism is the rupture of proteins into amino acids and simple derivative elements, for transport inside the cell through the plasmatic wall and ultimately for the polymerization into different proteins via the use of ribonucleic acids (RNA) and ribosomes.

Thanks to the metabolic mechanisms 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 flawed tissues and damaged cells at the site of injury, allowing these waste materials to be eliminated rapidly from skin lesions so as to reduce 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 organical mechanisms

In biology, signal transduction is any mechanism 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 activities inside the cell, which are carried out by enzymes and united by second messengers. Such mechanisms take place 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 proceed from the initial stimulus. In such cases the chain of steps is known as a “signaling cascade” or a “second messenger pathway” and usually produces 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 catalyzing 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 carried out 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.

A new skin care product offers the opportunity to get rid of scars, blemishes and other skin imperfections, while at the same time protects you skin and maintains its hydration.

- Linda Gladhill

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