Final answer:
Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) is a technique used in biology to identify microorganisms by analyzing their mass spectra.
Step-by-step explanation:
Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) is a technique used in biology to identify microorganisms by analyzing their mass spectra. In MALDI, a microorganism sample is mixed with a matrix reagent and then irradiated with a high-intensity laser.
This generates gaseous ions that are collected and analyzed by a mass spectrometer, producing a unique mass spectrum for the microorganism which can be compared to a database of known spectra for identification.