Together with RST1, acts as cofactor of the cytoplasmic exosome and connects the cytosolic RNA exosome to the SKI complex (PubMed:31455787). Acts as post-transcriptional gene silencing (PTGS) suppressor (PubMed:31455787, PubMed:31941670). CER16/RIPR can, like RST1 suppress the production of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) from the CER3 locus, which is involved in cuticule membrane and wax production, and in the typhine and sporopollenin biosynthesis of pollen (PubMed:31455787, PubMed:31941670). Interacts with RST1. Expressed in taproots, lateral roots, root tips, leaf veins, cauline leaves, inflorescences, flowers, and siliques. Shrunken non viable seeds due to arrested embryo development when homozygous (PubMed:31455787). Alteration in cuticular waxes (PubMed:31455787, PubMed:31941670). Decreased production wax with dramatically fewer alkanes (PubMed:31941670).