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The beginnings of research on biophysics of photosynthesis and initial contributions made by Russian scientists to its development

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Abstract

In contrast to the classical sciences, biophysics is difficult to define. For example, Roderick Clayton suggested that biophysics requires `solid grounding in physics, chemistry and mathematics together with enough biology and biochemistry' [Clayton RK (1988) Photosynth Res 19: 207–224]. One may see from the proceedings of the recent biophysical congresses that their materials and ideas in a very wide sense are biological, including global geographic and ecological problems. To be recognized as biophysical, either physico-chemical methods or at least some mathematical and computer programs are usually involved in such work. One exception is the biophysics of photosynthesis, which deals with fundamental photophysical processes: the absorption of solar radiation by chlorophylls (Chls) and accessory pigments. The subsequent intermolecular transfer of singlet electronic excitation results in a primary energy conversion manifested as pairs of opposite electric charges separated in the pigment-protein complexes called reaction centers [see Clayton RK (2002) Photosynth Res 73: 63–71]. I review the initial, basic contributions in this field, and the most important accomplishments of Russian scientists in the 20th century.

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  1. M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, Building `A', A.N. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, 119992, Moscow, Russia (

    Alexander Borisov

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Borisov, A. The beginnings of research on biophysics of photosynthesis and initial contributions made by Russian scientists to its development. Photosynthesis Research 76, 413–426 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1024962531792

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