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Mass spectrometry (also known as 'mass spec' or MS) is one of the most important tools used in the study of proteins. By employing a variety of mass spectrometry techniques, researchers can accurately identify and quantitate proteins in a given solution, identify amino acid sequences, and determine the overall structure of your protein of interest.
Mass spectrometry is extensively used in the field of proteomics since it provides highly accurate molecular weight information on intact protein molecules and peptides produced by enzymatic or chemical treatment of the protein sample. In addition, the fragment ions generated through mass spectrometry via collision-induced dissociation (CID) can provide accurate information on the primary structure and modifications of your protein of interest. As such, the methodical use of mass spectrometry tools can significantly improve the analysis of your samples.
Mass spectrometry is basically an analytic technique that determines the relative masses of molecular ions and fragments. Using this process, the gas phase molecules are ionized to determine their mass-to-charge ratio. Since lighter ions will travel faster and be detected first when an electric field is applied, the relative mass can be accurately measured and the composition of the molecule can then be identified. In addition, the sequence of component amino acids can also be identified using the same procedure.
