We derive the overlap representation of chiral-odd generalized parton distributions using the Fock-state decomposition in the transverse-spin basis. This formalism is applied to the case of light-cone wave functions in a constituent quark model.Numerical results for the four chiral-odd generalized parton distributions at the hadronic scale are shown in different kinematics. In the forward limit we derive the transversity distribution, the tensor charge and the angular momentum sum rule for quarks with transverse polarization in an unpolarized nucleon.

The unpolarized, helicity and transversity distributions of quarks in the proton are calculated in the overlap representation of light-cone wavefunctions truncated to the lowest order Fock-space components with three valence quarks. The three distributions at the hadronic scale satisfy an interesting relation consistent with the Soffer inequality. Results are derived in a relativistic quark model including evolution up to the next-to-leading order. Predictions for the double transverse-spin asymmetry in Drell-Yan dilepton production initiated by proton-antiproton collisions are presented. Asymmetries of about 20-30% are found in the kinematic conditions of the PAX experiment.

The nucleon distribution amplitudes and the nucleon-to-pion transition distribution amplitudes are investigated at leading twist within the frame of a light-cone quark model. The distribution amplitudes probe the three-quark component of the nucleon light-cone wave function, while higher order components in the Fock-space expansion of the nucleon state are essential to describe the nucleon-to-pion transition distribution amplitudes. Adopting a meson-cloud model of the nucleon the nucleon-to-pion transition distribution amplitudes are calculated for the first time.