Question

What is the principle of mass spectrometry? Write its important application.

Hint:

Mass spectrometry helps identify molecules by measuring their mass-to-charge ratio after ionization, enabling precise molecular analysis.

Answer 1

The principle of mass spectrometry is based on the ionization of molecules in a sample to generate charged particles (ions). These ions are then separated according to their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) by using electric and magnetic fields. The separated ions are detected, and a mass spectrum is produced which shows the relative abundance of each ion as a function of its m/z value. The process involves three main steps:

1. Ionization: The sample molecules are ionized to form charged particles, commonly by electron impact or electrospray ionization.
2. Mass Analysis: The ions are separated based on their mass-to-charge ratio using analyzers such as quadrupole, time-of-flight, or magnetic sector analyzers.
3. Detection: The ions are detected and the data is converted into a mass spectrum that provides information about molecular weight and structural features.

Important Application: Mass spectrometry is extensively used for:

• Identification and characterization of biomolecules such as proteins, peptides, lipids, and metabolites.
• Determining molecular weight and chemical structure of unknown compounds.
• Clinical diagnostics for detecting biomarkers.
• Drug development and pharmacokinetics studies.