<p>Metabolomics is a fast growing field in systems biology and offers a powerful and promising approach for a large range of applications. Metabolomics focuses on deriving the concentrations and fluxes of low molecular weight metabolites in bio-fluids, cells or tissue, plants, foods and related samples and this information provides enormous detail on biological systems and their current status. <i>Mass Spectrometry in Metabolomics: Methods and Protocols </i>presents a broad coverage of the major mass spectrometry (MS)-based metabolomics methods and applications. MS is one of most powerful and commonly used analytical methods in metabolomics; because so many different MS systems are used in metabolomics, this volume includes a wide variety such as triple quads, time of flight, Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance and even simple quadrupole systems. A wide range of studies are described, with samples ranging from blood and urine to tissue and even plants. Written in the successful <i>Methods in Molecular Biology</i> series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.</p><p>Authoritative and easily accessible, <i>Mass Spectrometry in Metabolomics: Methods and Protocols </i>seeks to serve both professionals and novices with its well-honed methodologies in an effort to further the dynamic field of metabolomics.</p>