Abstract <p>An analytical review of publications on the quantum mechanics of living matter is presented. This topic has appeared only in recent years. At the same time, its analysis leads to a discussion of fundamental problems that arose with quantum mechanics a hundred years ago: the nature of ‘the process of measuring and the duality of the relationship between classical and quantum mechanics. In considering these issues, the ideas of von Neumann, formulated in 1932, are followed and significantly developed taking into account new physical concepts and experimental data. The work of our senses: vision, smell, etc., is compared to ‘the process of measuring. The possible role of quantum processes in the nervous system is pointed out, photosynthesis and magnetoreception are discussed, the idea of the wave function collapse as a specific quality of life is developed, and unresolved fundamental issues are highlighted.</p>