MASS-SPECTROMETRY IN ANALYSIS OF BIOPOLYMER STRUCTURE - APPLICATION AND PROSPECTS (A REVIEW)

The application and prospects of mass spectrometry in structural inves tigations of biopolymers (peptides, proteins, and oligonucleotides) ar e analyzed, Four most recent techniques of biomolecular ion formation like fast atom bombardment, plasma desorption, electrospray and laser desorption/ionization are discussed. Potentials of each technique are described. The main attention Is paid to the primary processes of biop olymer desorption/ionization. The possibility of applying mass spectro metry to investigation of the DNA primary structure is considered.