Protein research. Gloved hand of a researcher using a pipette to take a sample from a two- dimensional (2-D) gel that was used to separate proteins (brown dots). This is being done during proteomics research. Proteomics is the determina- tion of the structure and function of all the proteins in the body. In a 2-D gel, protein samples are separated by their charge as well as their mass. Samples taken from the gel have their structures revealed by X-ray crystallography. Proteins are the body's major structural molecules and also form the enzymes that regulate the body's biochemical reactions. Proteomics research will allow greater understanding of how the body works.