Involved in the splicing of group II introns in mitochondria (PubMed:31359042). Required for the splicing of mitochondrial introns found in nad1, nad2, nad4, nad5, nad7, rps3 and cox2 genes (PubMed:31359042). Splicing of mitochondrial introns is crucial for mitochondrial biogenesis and function, plant growth and development, and plant response to abiotic stresses (PubMed:31359042). Highly expressed in roots and meristemic regions of young seedlings (PubMed:31359042). Expressed at low levels in stems, trichomes and stigma (PubMed:31359042). Delayed seed germination, retarded growth and reduced size and height.