Involved in the synthesis of phytochelatins, which are heavy metal binding proteins required for the detoxification of heavy metals such as cadmium, arsenic and copper. [Glu(-Cys)](n)-Gly + glutathione + H(+) = [Glu(-Cys)](n+1)-Gly + glycine Requires cadmium for activity. Expressed in hypodermis, pharyngeal grinder, pharyngeal-intestinal valve, body wall and vulval muscles, and coelomocytes (PubMed:20221439). Expressed in posterior pharyngeal cells and anal valve (PubMed:24333255, PubMed:26907254). Induced by zinc oxide nanoparticles in intestinal cells (PubMed:24333255). However, not induced by zinc or cadmium (PubMed:26907254). RNAi-mediated knockdown causes hypersensitivity to Cd(2+), specifically causes a reduction in growth, impairs development and reduces fertility. Belongs to the phytochelatin synthase family. Probable cloning artifact. Probable cloning artifact.