Cross sections for electron scattering from selected components of DNA and RNA

Differential and integral cross sections for elastic collisions between electrons and selected analogues of components of the backbone of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) are calculated using the independent atom method with a static-polarization model potential. They are presented for tetrahydrofuran, 3-hydroxytetrahydrofuran, α-tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, and phosphoric acid within 50-2000 eV electron energy range. Cross sections for electron-impact ionization of these molecular targets are also derived using the binary-encounter-Bethe model in the energy range from the ionization threshold to 4000 eV. Single electron-impact ionization cross sections for the sugar-phosphate unit are also approximately derived. The results are compared with available data.