Introduction to Protein Mass Spectrometry provides a comprehensive overview of this increasingly important, yet complex, analytical technique. Unlike many other methods which automatically yield an absolutely unique protein name as output, protein mass spectrometry generally requires a deduction of protein identity from determination of peptide fragmentation products. This book enables readers to both understand, and appreciate, how determinations about protein identity from mass spectrometric data are made. Coverage begins with the technical basics, including preparations, instruments, and spectrometric analysis of peptides and proteins, before exploring applied use in biological applications, bioinformatics, database, and software resources. Citing the most recent and relevant work in the field of biological mass spectrometry, the book is written for researchers and scientists new to the field, but is also an ideal resource for those hoping to hone their analytical abilities.

"...provides a thorough overview of this progressively important and widely used analytical technique...Each chapter is well illustrated. The bibliography is also up to date...should be on the electronic bookshelf of investigators as well as of science libraries." --Clinical Biochemistry "...especially valuable for researchers with more biological or medical backgrounds, allowing them to gain a better appreciation for the capabilities of mass spectrometry-based techniques…currently the most up-to-date, comprehensive, introductory textbook on protein mass spectrometry." --Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry

Pradip K. Ghosh received his PhD from Indiana University, USA, and did his postdoctoral research at Rice University. For most of his career he was on the faculty at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India. He also taught as a Visiting Professor at Pomona College and the University of California Berkeley. His research specialization has been in plasma chemical physics and in mass spectrometry. He is the author of several books, including Introduction to Photoelectron Spectroscopy (Wiley-Interscience), Ion Traps (Clarendon Press, Oxford), and the first edition of Introduction to Protein Mass Spectrometry (Academic Press).