Question

If a given protein with a molecular weight of 20,000 daltons containing 5,4,3,2, and 1 charges, is subjected to mass spectrometry, find the sequence of protein ions detected by the mass spectrometer.

Answer 1

m/z = M + nH⁺/n

m/z = 20,005/5 = 4001

m/z = 20,004/4 = 5001

m/z = 20,003/3 = 6668

m/z = 20,002/2 = 10,001

m/z = 20,001/1 = 20,001

Sequence—It detects protein ions at m/z = 4001, 5001, 6668, 10001 and 20,001 respectively.