The representation of quark distribution and fragmentation functions in terms of nonlocal operators is combined with a simple spectator model. This allows us to estimate these functions for the nucleon and the pion ensuring correct crossing and support properties. We give estimates for the unpolarized functions as well as for the polarized ones and for subleading (higher twist) functions. Furthermore we can study several relations that are consequences of Lorentz invariance and of C, P, and T invariance of the strong interactions. PACS number(s): 13.60. Hb, 12.38.Lg, 13.87.Fh

We present a simple empirical parameterization of the x-and t-dependence of generalized parton distributions at zero skewness, using forward parton distributions as input. A fit to experimental data for the Dirac, Pauli and axial form factors of the nucleon allows us to discuss quantitatively the interplay between longitudinal and transverse partonic degrees of freedom in the nucleon ("nucleon tomography"). In particular we obtain the transverse distribution of valence quarks at given momentum fraction x. We calculate various moments of the distributions, including the form factors that appear in the handbag approximation to wide-angle Compton scattering. This allows us to estimate the minimal momentum transfer required for reliable predictions in that approach to be around |t| ≃ 3 GeV 2 . We also evaluate the valence contributions to the energy-momentum form factors entering Ji's sum rule.

We relate ordinary and skewed parton distributions to soft overlap contributions to elastic form factors and large angle Compton scattering, using light-cone wave functions in a Fock state expansion of the nucleon. With a simple ansatz for the wave functions of the three lowest Fock states we achieve a good description of unpolarised and polarised parton distributions at large x, and of the data for the Dirac form factor and for Compton scattering, both of which can be saturated with soft contributions only. Large angle Compton scattering appears as a good case to investigate the relative importance of soft and hard contributions in exclusive processes which are sensitive to the end point regions of the nucleon wave function.

We relate ordinary and skewed parton distributions to soft overlap contributions to elastic form factors and large angle Compton scattering, using light-cone wave functions in a Fock state expansion of the nucleon. With a simple ansatz for the wave functions of the three lowest Fock states we achieve a good description of unpolarised and polarised parton distributions at large x, and of the data for the Dirac form factor and for Compton scattering, both of which can be saturated with soft contributions only. Large angle Compton scattering appears as a good case to investigate the relative importance of soft and hard contributions in exclusive processes which are sensitive to the end point regions of the nucleon wave function.