High-accuracy molecular mass determination of proteins using matrix-assisted laser desorption mass spectrometry.
A method for obtaining protein molecular masses with an accuracy of approximately +/- 0.01% by matrix-assisted laser desorption using an internal calibrant is described. The technique allows accurate mass determinations of protein sample sizes as small as 1 pmol. High concentrations of organic and inorganic contaminants (e.g. 1 M urea) do not strongly affect either the signal intensity or the mass assignment. The ability to assign an accurate molecular mass to a protein is contingent on the observation of clearly resolved protonated molecule ions in the mass spectrum.
Beavis
R C
RC
Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10021.
Chait
B T
BT
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D006736:Horses; D013058:Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods*; D008970:Molecular Weight; D011506:Proteins / Q000737:chemistry*
D011506:Proteins