Mass Spectrometry is a scientific technique used to identify and quantify molecules based on their mass-to-charge ratio. The spelling of this word can be broken into its phonetic transcription, [mæs spɛktrɑmɪtri]. The 'mæs' sounds like 'mass', the 'spɛk' sounds like 'speck', the 'trɑm' sounds like 'tram', and the 'ɪtri' sounds like 'etry'. The 't' in 'spectrometry' is silent, while the 'y' in the same word represents the sound 'i'. Mass Spectrometry is used widely in analytical chemistry, biochemistry, and other scientific fields.
Mass spectrometry is a highly sensitive analytical technique used to identify and characterize molecules based on their mass-to-charge ratio. It involves the measurement of ionized molecules in order to determine their mass and abundance. Mass spectrometry is widely used in various scientific fields, including chemistry, biology, pharmacy, and forensic science.
The process first involves the ionization of the sample molecules, converting them into charged particles called ions. This can be achieved through various methods, such as electron ionization, electrospray ionization, or matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization. The ions are then separated based on their mass-to-charge ratio using electromagnetic fields. The separated ions are detected and their abundance is measured.
The data obtained from mass spectrometry is typically presented as a mass spectrum, which provides valuable information about the nature and composition of the sample. Mass spectrometry enables the identification of unknown compounds, determination of molecular weight, and analysis of isotopic patterns. It can also provide insights into the structure, composition, and behavior of molecules.
Mass spectrometry has numerous applications across different fields. It is used in proteomics to study proteins and their modifications, in metabolomics for analyzing metabolites in biological samples, in environmental analysis for detecting pollutants, in drug discovery for identifying potential therapeutic compounds, and in forensic science for identifying trace evidence.
Overall, mass spectrometry is a powerful and versatile analytical technique that plays a crucial role in various scientific and technological advancements.
The word "Mass Spectrometry" has a rather straightforward etymology.
The term "mass" comes from the Latin word "massa", which means "mass" or "lump". It refers to the measurement of the relative abundance and the individual masses of atoms and molecules.
"Spectrometry" is derived from the Greek word "spectron", meaning "to look" or "to see", and the suffix "-metry", which refers to the process of measuring or determining. In the context of mass spectrometry, spectrometry signifies the technique of analyzing and measuring the masses of ions in a sample.
Therefore, when combined, "Mass Spectrometry" literally means the "measurement of masses", which accurately reflects the purpose and principle of this analytical technique.