Promotes the biosynthesis of heme as well as the assembly and repair of iron-sulfur clusters by delivering Fe(2+) to proteins involved in these pathways (PubMed:18540637). May play a role in the protection against iron-catalyzed oxidative stress through its ability to catalyze the oxidation of Fe(2+) to Fe(3+) (PubMed:18540637). May be able to store large amounts of the metal in the form of a ferrihydrite mineral by oligomerization (PubMed:18540637). Required for ecdysteroidogenesis in the prothoracic gland which is necessary for larval to pupal transition (PubMed:25628335). 4 Fe(2+) + 4 H(+) + O2 = 4 Fe(3+) + 2 H2O Monomer (probable predominant form) (PubMed:18540637). Oligomer (PubMed:18540637). Might form a complex with bcn92, IscU and Nsf1 (Probable). Interacts with IscU (By similarity). Expressed throughout development, levels are high during embryogenesis but low in following stages. RNAi-mediated knockdown results in nearly absent pupariation and reduced ecdysteroid peak level required to proceed to pupal stage (PubMed:25628335). RNAi-mediated knockdown in the prothoracic gland results in delayed or absent pupariation (PubMed:25628335). Belongs to the frataxin family.