Essential component of the PAM complex, a complex required for the translocation of transit peptide-containing proteins from the inner membrane into the mitochondrial matrix in an ATP-dependent manner (By similarity). Seems to control the nucleotide-dependent binding of mitochondrial HSP70 to substrate proteins (By similarity). Binds ATP (By similarity). Interacts with copper ions Cu(2+) (PubMed:20018591). Confers thermotolerance to long-term exposure at moderately high temperature (TMHT at 35 degrees Celsius) (PubMed:22128139). Probable component of the PAM complex, at least composed of SSC1 (mtHsp70), MGE1, TIM44, PAM16/TIM16, PAM17 and PAM18/TIM14. Interacts with SSQ1. Induced by heat treatment at 38 degrees Celsius in a HSFA1-dependent manner (at protein level). No visible phenotype in normal conditions. Defective for thermotolerance to moderately high temperature (TMHT at 35 degrees Celsius), but normal basal thermotolerance (BT), short-term acquired thermotolerance (SAT) and long-term acquired thermotolerance (LAT) at 37 and 44 degrees Celsius. Belongs to the GrpE family. Truncated N-terminus.