Biotechnology has been around for longer than many people realize, ultimately tracing its roots back to 1919. However, it wasn’t until 50 years later that researchers performed the first successful recombinant DNA experiment. Since then, lab equipment has been developed to work with DNA and provide protein testing services in a number of ways using mass spectrometry protein analysis. This article will take a look at a few of the different uses of mass spectrometry protein analysis.
- Used for Identifying Paternity: One use of mass spectrometry protein analysis is for use in identifying paternity. Since a DNA test between a potential father and child requires two DNA samples to be compared, the equipment can take the two samples and break them down to a level that shows the different proteins in the sample. A comparison of the two samples will determine if the two donors are, in fact, related.
- Used for Noninvasive Prenatal Sampling: Another use of mass spectrometry protein analysis is for use in noninvasive prenatal sampling. Put simply, this is a process that tests proteins to see if the unborn child is at risk for any genetic abnormalities that might cause medical complications. As these complications can be life threatening, it’s very important for this test to work properly, so it’s a process that has been refined over time.
- Used for DNA Seq Analysis: And finally, a third use of mass spectrometry protein analysis is for use in DNA seq analysis. Similar to paternity testing, the spectrometry machine can be used to break down the proteins of a DNA sample to see if it matches an unknown sample. This can be used for educational purposes or it can also be used for purposes of forensic analysis. There are more uses of course, but those are two examples of how it can be used and applied.
In conclusion, there are a number of uses of mass spectrometry protein analysis. These uses include: being used for identitying paternity, being used for noninvasive prenatal sampling, and being used for DNA seq analysis and for DNA testing services in general. These are, of course, just a few of the uses for this important process.
