Decomposition of thymidine by low-energy electrons: Implications for the molecular mechanisms of single-strand breaks in DNA

Abstract

(Chemical Equation Presented) The damage to biological systems by high-energy quanta occurs mainly through secondary species created in the ionization path. Interaction of the low-energy (0-3 eV) electrons with thymidine (Td) in the gas phase was investigated. These electrons induce loss of hydrogen from the N3 position and scission of the N1-C1 bond. The transfer of excess electrons, initially localized on thymine, to the sugar moiety was not observed. © 2006 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.