In addition to the essential theoretical background and fundamental principles, this unique reference presents a detailed, step-by-step methodology for interpreting even electron mass spectrometry results. Specific chapters are devoted to: proteomics; biomolecule spectral interpretation of small molecules; biomolecule spectral interpretation of biological macromolecules; and MALDI-TOF-Postsource Decay (PSD). Chapters feature detailed examples, questions, and problems to help readers solidify their understanding of the concepts and techniques.

Phosphorylation is the addition of a phosphate (PO4) group to a protein or other organic molecule. Phosphorylation activates or deactivates many protein enzymes, causing or preventing the mechanisms of diseases such as cancer and diabetes. This book shows how to use mass spectrometry to determine whether or not a protein has been correctly modified by the addition of a phosphate group. It also provides a combination of detailed, step-by-step methodology for phosphoproteomic sample preparation, mass spectral instrumental analysis, and data interpretation approaches. Furthermore, it includes the use of bioinformatic Internet tools such as the Blast2GO gene ontology (GO) tool, used to help understand and interpret complex data collected in these studies.