Discusses how mass spectrometry may be applied to a variety of biological problems in a way that is meaningful to readers with varying degrees of knowledge about the subject. Rather than merely describing methods, it provides insights into approaches that mass spectroscopists have used to solve these problems. Each chapter offers guidance in appropriate ways to isolate and purify the compound class prior to analysis or characterization by mass spectrometry. Chapters also feature tutorials on mass spectral interpretations based on the fragmentation pathways commonly encountered for the particular compound type. Accounts are given of modern approaches to analysis based on fast-atom bombardment as well as more conventional analysis by electron impact and chemical-ionization mass spectrometry.