Collagen is the most abundant structural protein in vertebrates, including 28 family members, which plays a vital role in human physiological function. In this paper, the specific mechanism of collagen biosynthesis and covalent cross-linking and the biological function of collagen were discussed by analyzing the members of collagen family and their typical triple helix structure characteristics, so as to illustrate that collagen is involved in the regulation of cell growth and senescence. Finally, the diseases caused by collagen mutation or abnormal expression were summarized, aiming to provide theoretical reference for the further study of collagen.