From the information given in your question, it seems you are discussing a mass spectrometry analysis, likely from a Voyager mass spectrometer, and trying to interpret a peak distribution in terms of its origin. Let's break down the potential sources:
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Multiple Charged States: In mass spectrometry, especially for larger biomolecules like proteins, it is common to observe multiple charged states. This can lead to the presence of several peaks corresponding to the same molecular ion at different charge states, which could contribute to the peak distribution you see.
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Isotopic Distribution: Many elements exist in multiple isotopic forms (e.g., carbon has 12C, 13C, etc.). This contributes to a pattern where the peaks are observed at intervals corresponding to the mass differences of the isotopes. For example, the presence of 13C results in peaks spaced by 1 Da.
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Polymer Distribution: If the sample is a polymer or a mixture of molecules of different lengths or compositions, the mass spectrum might show a distribution of peaks that results from different molecular weights or lengths of the polymer chains present.
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Ion Suppression Effects: In some cases, more abundant ions can suppress the detection of less abundant ones. This might cause some peak shapes or heights to be altered, potentially obscuring what would otherwise be clearer peak distributions.
Each of these phenomena can play a role in the observed peak distribution you have shown. To determine the exact contributions, one would typically analyze the specific characteristics of the peaks in your mass spectrum (like their relative heights, widths, and exact mass-to-charge ratios) in relation to your sample type and the experimental conditions.