Methodologies in the Microsequencing

Abstract

In the second edition of “The Proteins” Caufield and Anfinsen commented that “the rather tedious business of amino acid sequence determination will become increasingly automated over the coming years, and such efforts may eventually become the province of well-trained machine operators.” This prediction has become nearly true due to the availability of a highly successful automated sequenator for stepwise degradation and computerized instrumentation for quantitative identification of released amino acid derivatives. Commenting on this prediction, Niall (1) stated“...the present author does not believe, or at least would prefer not to admit that protein sequence determination has yet become a mere technical operation requiring a minimum of intellectual input….” and correctly foresaw the need for continued intellectual involvement in the field of protein sequence analysis. This realization was conceived at the molecular level answers community began seeking at the molecular level answers to questions such as tissue graft rejections; cell-cell interactions; biological functions.