Abstract
State-of-the-art proteomics workflows involve multiple interdependent steps: sample preparation, protein peptide separation, mass spectrometry and data analysis.While improvements in any of these steps can increase the depth and breadth of analysis, advances in mass spectrometry have catalysed many of the most important developments. We discuss common classes of mass analysers and how these analysers are put together to produce some of the most popular mass spectrometry platforms.The capabilities of these platforms determine how they can be used in a variety of common proteomic strategies and, in turn, what types of biological questions can be addressed. Moving forward, powerful new hybridmass spectrometers and application of emerging types of tandemmass spectrometry promise that our ability to analyse complex mixtures of proteins will continue to advance.