Abstract

This manuscript commemorates the 90th anniversary of the birth of Academician Yuri Anatolievich Ovchinnikov (1934–1988), a towering figure in Soviet and international biochemistry and bioorganic chemistry. The objective of this review is to highlight his foundational contributions, particularly in the realm of membrane and cell biology, which remains a critical area of modern research. Ovchinnikov's work pioneered the structural and functional analysis of complex membrane protein systems. His research employed advanced biochemical and biophysical methods to elucidate the mechanisms of ion transport, building upon his earlier studies of depsipeptide ion carriers. A key achievement was the determination of the complete amino acid sequence and membrane topology of bacteriorhodopsin, a landmark finding that provided a molecular blueprint for understanding light-driven proton pumps. This work established a paradigm for investigating the structural bases of membrane protein functioning, profoundly influencing subsequent studies on ion channels, receptors, and transporters. The significance of his legacy lies in establishing a robust school of bioorganic chemistry and membrane science, whose principles continue to guide modern molecular biology.