May 8, 2008
Book Chapter

Stable Valence Anions of Nucleic Acid Bases and DNA Strand Breaks Induced by Low Energy Electrons

Abstract

The investigation of structures and properties of nucleic acids has fascinated and challenged researchers ever since the discovery of their relation to genes. Extensive studies have been carried out on these species to unravel the mystery behind the selection of these molecules as genetic material by nature and to explain various physico-chemical properties. However, a vast pool of information is yet to be discovered. DNA constituents, mainly aromatic purine and pyrimidine bases, absorb ultraviolet irradiation efficiently, but the absorbed energy is quickly released in the form of ultrafast nonradiative decays. Recently impressive progress has been made towards the understanding of photophysical and photochemical properties of DNA fragments.

Revised: April 7, 2011 | Published: May 8, 2008

Citation

Rak J., K. Mazurkiewicz, M. Kobylecka, M. Kobylecka, P. Storoniak, M. Haranczyk, and I. Dabkowska, et al. 2008. Stable Valence Anions of Nucleic Acid Bases and DNA Strand Breaks Induced by Low Energy Electrons. In Radiation Induced Molecular Phenomena in Nucleic Acids: A Comprehensive Theoretical and Experimental Analysis, edited by M. Shukla and J. Leszczynski. 619-667. Dordrecht:Springer.