Involved in the biosynthesis of the coenzyme F420 which requires phospholactate produced via the aldol cleavage of L-fuculose 1-phosphate and the NAD(+)-dependent oxidation of (S)-lactaldehyde (PubMed:16585745). Catalyzes the reversible cleavage of L-fuculose 1-phosphate (Fuc1P) to yield dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) and S-lactaldehyde (Ref.2, PubMed:16585745, PubMed:17927915, PubMed:22418259). FucA possesses a high specificity for the dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP), but accepts a great variety of different aldehydes such as DL-glyceraldehyde and glycolaldehyde (PubMed:16585745, PubMed:17927915). L-fuculose 1-phosphate = (S)-lactaldehyde + dihydroxyacetone phosphate Binds 1 zinc ion per subunit. Trimethyl phosphonoacetate and DL-threose are competitive inhibitors with respect to dihydroxyacetone phosphate, and uncompetitive inhibitors with respect to DL-glyceraldehyde. Cofactor biosynthesis; coenzyme F420 biosynthesis. Homotetramer. Belongs to the aldolase class II family. AraD/FucA subfamily.