Fundamental Processes in Radiation Damage of DNA

Ionizing radiation (UV, X‐rays, etc.) induces DNA damage not merely from the primary impact of high‐energy quanta but, to a large extent, from secondary particles. Among these, low‐energy electrons (see scheme) play an important role. Gas‐phase studies that use crossed‐molecular and monochromatic electron beams have provided new fundamental insight into the mechanism of radiation damage in DNA.