Illustration of mass spectrometry process

How does proteomics work?
Marine scientists have begun to apply a new biomedical research approach to the study of the ocean: proteomics. Genomics is the study of organisms’ genes (their genome), which provide the blueprints to make proteins (their proteome) Proteins catalyze chemical reactions in the organisms. So while genomics can tell you what organisms are capable of, proteomics can tell you what organisms are actually doing in response to conditions and changes in their environment. A key technique of proteomics research uses mass spectrometers that distinguish and measure various proteins in organisms. Here’s how it works:
(Note: Explanatory call outs are only shown in the magazine.) (Illustration by Amy Caracappa-Qubeck, © Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)