Abstract
Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI–TOF) mass spectrometry has become a valuable tool for performing routine biochemical analyses. A common procedure for protein identification involves using tryptic digestion to obtain masses of individual peptides derived from the protein. The masses are compared against an online database, and probability-based scoring systems are used to determine the closest protein matches. This article describes an experiment we have developed for an undergraduate honors general chemistry laboratory to introduce students to state-of-the-art mass spectrometric methods. Students are given an overview of the theory and instrumentation associated with MALDI–TOF, and gain hands-on experience with Internet tools for protein identification using mass spectral data. The experiment would be suitable for upper-division undergraduate laboratory courses as well; appropriate modifications for this purpose are also described.
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