Mass spectrometry works by ionizing protein molecules and then measuring their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z). The process usually involves several key steps:
1. Sample Preparation: Proteins are extracted from tissue samples, often using techniques like lysis and centrifugation. 2. Protein Digestion: Enzymes such as trypsin are used to digest proteins into smaller peptides. 3. Ionization: Peptides are ionized using techniques like Electrospray Ionization (ESI) or Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization (MALDI). 4. Mass Analysis: The ionized peptides are analyzed in a mass spectrometer, where their m/z ratios are measured. 5. Data Analysis: The resulting spectra are interpreted using bioinformatics tools to identify and quantify the proteins.
