The observation of quasi‐molecular ions from a tiger snake venom component (<i>M</i>_r 13 309) using ²⁵²Cf‐plasma desorption mass spectrometry

Abstract

A method involving fast heavy‐ion bombardment of a solid sample called 252 Cf‐plasma desorption mass spectrometry has been used to study of a non‐enzymatic, non‐toxic phospholipase homolog from Australian tiger snake ( Notechis scutatus ) venom. The protein consists of 119 amino acids in a single polypeptide chain cross‐linked by 7 disulfide bridges. The isotopically averaged molecular mass as determined by protein sequence analysis is 13 309 atomic mass units (amu). The mass distributions were studied by means of time‐of‐flight measurements. Quasi‐molecular ions associated to the molecule and its dimer were observed. The mass of the quasi‐molecular ion corresponding to the molecule was determined to be 13 285 ± 25 amu.