Energy deposition in structural parts of DNA by monoenergetic electrons.

The Monte Carlo simulation of energy deposition in structural parts of DNA based on "Structural Model" is described. This model takes under consideration space positions of atoms in B-form of DNA and clearly defines sensitive volumes of each nucleotide (phosphodiester bonds, sugar, base, hydrogen bonds). ETRACK code producing the positions of energy deposition events in water vapor medium is used for simulation of electron track structure. The electron production points are chosen randomly within the sphere containing cell nucleus. DNA segments are randomly distributed in cell nucleus. Each energy deposition point is tested if it occurs in any element of any DNA part. The highest probability of energy deposition is found for phosphodiester bonds area, whereas the lowest for deoxyribose area. Electrons of initial energies from 5 keV to 10 keV have higher probability of energy deposition in structural part in comparison with lower and higher energy electrons.