Articles


Metabolic Pathways

by Linda Gladhill

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

Metabolism is the biochemical transformation of chemical compounds in living beings and cells. This includes the biosynthesis of complex organic molecules (anabolism) and their breakdown (catabolism). Metabolism usually consists of sequences of enzymatic reactions, also called metabolic pathways.

Cell metabolism is the method (or really the sum of several ongoing individual processes) by which living cells process nutrient molecules and maintain 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 such a creatingconstructing cellular structure; and catabolism, in which a cell breaks down elements in order to obtain more raw material and energy. Cell metabolism implies extremely complex sequences of controlled chemical reactions called metabolic pathways.

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

Through the metabolic processes enzymes (all enzymes are proteins) are capable of rapidly 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 injury, allowing these waste materials to be removed rapidly from skin lesions so as to reduce 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 regulate biological processes

In biology, signal transduction is any process by which a cell converts one kind of signal or stimulus into a different one. Processes referred to 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 processes take place in as little time as a millisecond or as long as a few seconds.

In several transduction processes, an increasing number of enzymes and other molecules become involved in the steps that start from the initial stimulus. In these cases the chain of steps is referred to 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 work as:

- Enzymes, by accelerating organic reactions taking place in the body in mild conditions and with a great specificity.

- Messengers, by transmitting messages to regulate biological processes. This work is carried out by hormones, i.e. insulin etc.

- Transporters of other molecules throughout membranes.

- 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 keeps its hydration.

Published March 11th, 2008

Filed in Beauty

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