Proteomics research. Computer illustration of the spots of protein produced on a 2-D gel in proteomics research. This is the study of the structure and function of all the proteins in an organism. Proteins are separated by their charge and mass by the application of a pH gradient and an electric field respectively. Each spot contains similar proteins, which can be removed from the gel and analysed. Proteins form nearly all the functional tissues in an organism. Relating structure and function in proteins will improve the understanding of how organisms work and may lead to new targets for drugs.