Abstract: Respiration is necessary for catabolism of storage materials and energy supply in seed germination. It directly affects seed vitality, and furthermore, influences growth after germination. In order to understand the response of respiration metabolism to changes in external and internal environment during seed germination, the paper summarizes recent research findings on cyanide resistant respiration, enzymes, membrane system and hormones, use of material storage, germination activity, genetic protection, etc., and their relation to environmental factors of drought, heat-stress, cold-bite, salinity, UV, heavy metal, organic pollutant and pesticide. The response mechanism of respiration metabolism to post-germination external environment, the influence of external environment on respiration as well as the influence of respiration on seed germination are summarized. Finally, mainstream research, development and direction are proposed. It is pointed out that 5 aspects of this filed of study should be strengthened.