Accelerating discoveries in the proteome and genome with MALDI TOF MS.

Recent developments in mass spectrometry (MS) provide scientists with an established analytical tool that addresses the demands for rapid, accurate and cost effective analyses of biomolecules. These advances clearly accelerate the rate and success of protein identification, genetic sequencing, determining biological variances and drug discovery. This review is intended to illustrate how matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation (MALDI) time-of-flight (TOF) MS is typically used to generate information about biomolecules under investigation. Additionally, examples will be used to describe the steps involved in preparing samples for MALDI TOF and obtaining answers through data management.