Radiation damage to DNA: electron scattering from the backbone subunits

Abstract

In the context of damage to DNA by low-energy electrons, we carry out calculations of electron scattering from tetrahydrofuran and phosphoric acid, models of the subunits in the DNA backbone, as a first step in simulating the electron capture process that occurs in the cell. In the case of tetrahydrofuran, we also compare with previous theoretical and experimental data. A comparison of the shape of the resonant structures to virtual orbitals is also performed to gain insight into the systematic connections with electron scattering from similar molecules and dissociative electron attachment experiments.