data-dependent acquisition

Data-dependent acquisition (DDA) is a technique used in mass spectrometry where the instrument automatically selects specific molecules for detailed analysis based on their initial signals. When a sample is analyzed, the system first scans all the molecules to identify the most abundant ones. It then focuses on these selected molecules for deeper examination, such as determining their structure or composition. This approach allows efficient targeting of significant components in complex samples, enabling detailed insights while conserving time and resources during analysis.