Photoprocesses with Biomolecules in the Gas Phase

The basic processes in molecules of biological interest induced by the absorption of VUV and soft X-rays are reviewed. The study of excitation, ionisation and dissociation in the gas phase on the one hand provides detailed information on the electronic structure and geometry that determine the functioning of these molecules in macroscopic systems and, on the other hand, sheds light on the microscopic effects of radiation damage in living cells.