Practice question

The observed m/z values can originate from different neutral masses carrying different charges according to deconvolution formula M = z*(m/z) - z*proton mass. For pure species, peaks 301 and 401 both correspond to mass near 1200 Da when charges are four and three respectively: 301×4-4=1200 and 401×3-3=1200. Similarly, peaks 501 and 601 can be reconciled with mass around 1500 Da under appropriate charge assumptions, indicating coexistence of two proteins. This pattern demonstrates how a single ESI spectrum may contain interleaved charge series revealing molecular weights of 1200 and 1500 Da from mixture analysis.