ABSTRACT
Mass spectrometry has become an integral part of research in the biological sciences as a result of recent developments in ionization methods and instrumentation. In this chapter we provide a brief description of the variety of instruments and ionization methods that are used in the analysis of biological materials. Chapters 2 and 3 discuss in more detail new mass spectrometers that are being developed to have an important impact on the analysis of biopolymers and related materials. While these chapters will be of value to experienced mass spectroscopists, Chapter 1 is written for those less familiar with mass spectrometry so that they can better appreciate the ionization methods and mass analyzers discussed in subsequent chapters of this book.
