Re: Why do seeds need oxygen to germinate?

Our bodies require oxygen to break down (metabolize) carbohydrates and fats to 
carbon dioxide and water with the release of the energy that is required to 
keep our bodies running. The process of energy release from carbohydrates in 
living organisms is called cellular respiration. Seeds also use cellular 
respiration to release energy from fats or carbohydrates stored in the seed. 

Once the seedling begins photosynthesis, it will produce more oxygen in 
photosynthesis than it uses in cellular respiration. However, plants use 
cellular respiration 24 hours per day, even when they are photosynthesizing.

Some seeds, such as rice, can germinate underwater so require very little 
oxygen for germination.