Communication: Electron ionization of DNA bases

Journal Article · Thu Apr 28 04:00:00 EDT 2016 · Journal of Chemical Physics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4948412· OSTI ID:22660862

Rahman, M. A.

No reliable experimental data exist for the partial and total electron ionization cross sections for DNA bases, which are very crucial for modeling radiation damage in genetic material of living cell. We have measured a complete set of absolute partial electron ionization cross sections up to 500 eV for DNA bases for the first time by using the relative flow technique. These partial cross sections are summed to obtain total ion cross sections for all the four bases and are compared with the existing theoretical calculations and the only set of measured absolute cross sections. Our measurements clearly resolve the existing discrepancy between the theoretical and experimental results, thereby providing for the first time reliable numbers for partial and total ion cross sections for these molecules. The results on fragmentation analysis of adenine supports the theory of its formation in space.

• OSTI ID: 22660862
• Journal Information: Journal of Chemical Physics, Journal Name: Journal of Chemical Physics Journal Issue: 16 Vol. 144; ISSN JCPSA6; ISSN 0021-9606
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
DNA
ELECTRONS
EVALUATION
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
IONIZATION
RADIATION EFFECTS
TOTAL CROSS SECTIONS