Catalyzes a reversible aldol reaction between acetaldehyde and D-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate to generate 2-deoxy-D-ribose 5-phosphate. Participates in stress granule (SG) assembly. May allow ATP production from extracellular deoxyinosine in conditions of energy deprivation. 2-deoxy-D-ribose 5-phosphate = acetaldehyde + D-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate Carbohydrate degradation; 2-deoxy-D-ribose 1-phosphate degradation; D-glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate and acetaldehyde from 2-deoxy-alpha-D-ribose 1-phosphate: step 2/2. Interacts with YBX1. Recruited to stress granules but not to processing bodies upon arsenite or clotrimazole treatment or energy deprivation. Belongs to the DeoC/FbaB aldolase family. DeoC type 2 subfamily.