Does not seem to be essential for lipid utilization and gluconeogenesis in seedlings. acetyl-CoA + glyoxylate + H2O = (S)-malate + CoA + H(+) Carbohydrate metabolism; glyoxylate cycle; (S)-malate from isocitrate: step 2/2. Expressed from 1 to 5 days after seed imbibition (at protein level). No visible phenotype under normal growth conditions, but the frequency of mutant seedlings to establish into plantlets with true leaves is decreased under short day conditions. Belongs to the malate synthase family.