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LC-MS (Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry)

Definition

An analytical workflow in which proteins or peptides are separated by chromatography and then identified by their mass-to-charge ratios. Used for pangolin scale identification because it works on degraded material where DNA extraction fails.

Related terms

DNA Barcoding
Species identification using a short, standardised region of the mitochondrial genome. For animals, the primary barcode marker is a 648-base-pair segment of...
Keratin
The structural protein that forms pangolin scales, human fingernails, and bird feathers. In scales it is arranged in a layered matrix whose...
Minimum Number of Individuals (MNI)
The smallest number of distinct individuals required to account for all skeletal elements present in an assemblage. Determined by identifying the element...
Scale Microstructure
The internal and surface architecture of a pangolin scale visible under light microscopy or scanning electron microscopy, including ridge pattern, cross-section shape,...
TRAFFIC Pangolin Seizure Database
A compiled database of documented pangolin trade seizures maintained by TRAFFIC (the wildlife trade monitoring network), used to establish trade routes, source...

Explained in

  • Pangolin Scale ForensicsAn analytical workflow in which proteins or peptides are separated by chromatography and then identified by their mass-to-charge ratios. Used for pangolin scal...

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