Catalyzes the cleavage of 5-deoxy-D-ribulose 1-phosphate to yield dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) and acetaldehyde, as part of a 5-deoxyribose salvage pathway that recycles this toxic radical SAM enzyme by-product to mainstream metabolites. Is also able to catalyze the reverse reaction, using several aldehydes as substrate, with acetaldehyde being the preferred substrate. 5-deoxy-D-ribulose 1-phosphate = acetaldehyde + dihydroxyacetone phosphate Binds 1 Mn(2+) ion per subunit. To a much lesser extent, can also use Co(2+) and Mg(2+) as cofactor, but not Zn(2+). kcat is 6.3 sec(-1) for the cleavage of 5-deoxy-D-ribulose 1-phosphate. Carbohydrate degradation. Forms homooligomers, possibly homotetramers. Cells lacking this gene show no impaired growth on minimal medium but addition of 5-deoxyribose inhibits growth at a higher level than wild-type. Belongs to the aldolase class II family.