What is the primary focus of mass spectrometry in biological research?

Mass spectrometry is primarily focused on determining the mass of particles, which is crucial in various applications within biological research. This technique provides detailed information about the molecular weight and structure of biomolecules, including proteins, lipids, and metabolites, by ionizing chemical species and then analyzing the ions based on their mass-to-charge ratios.

In biological contexts, understanding the mass of particles allows researchers to identify and quantify different biomolecules accurately, investigate molecular interactions, and study metabolic pathways. Through this precise measurement, researchers can infer structural and functional information about biological molecules, which is essential for advancing knowledge in fields such as proteomics and metabolomics.

While other methods may focus on visualizing proteins, measuring concentrations of chemicals, or analyzing genetic sequences, mass spectrometry uniquely excels in quantifying and characterizing biomolecules based on their mass, making it a fundamental tool in biological research.