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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2003  > February  >
In the Laboratory
Identifying a Protein by MALDI–TOF Mass Spectrometry: An Experiment for the Undergraduate Laboratory
Anne E. Counterman, Matthew S. Thompson, and David E. Clemmer
Department of Chemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405
Cover
February 2003
Vol. 80 No. 2
p. 177
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.
Supplement
Additional material includes student handouts and instructor's notes. The instructor's notes contain a detailed materials and equipment list and solutions to assigned problems.
*  Contents JCE2003p0177W.doc (Microsoft Word)
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*  Citation
 Counterman, Anne E.; Thompson, Matthew S.; Clemmer, David E. J. Chem. Educ. 2003 80 177.
*  Keywords
 Analytical Chemistry; Biochemistry; Internet; Mass Spectrometry; Laboratory Instruction
*  History
 Created:
Last Updated:		 January 6, 2003
February 28, 2005
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