mass spectrometry in proteomics

Mass spectrometry in proteomics is a technique used to identify and analyze proteins within a complex mixture. It works by first breaking proteins into smaller pieces called peptides, then measuring their mass-to-charge ratios with a specialized device. These measurements create unique "fingerprints" for each peptide, allowing scientists to determine the proteins' identities and quantities. This method helps researchers understand the roles of proteins in biological processes, disease mechanisms, and potential treatments with high sensitivity and precision.