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

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.