Involved in intercistronic processing of primary transcripts from chloroplast operons. The endonucleolytic activity of the enzyme depends on the number of phosphates at the 5' end, is inhibited by structured RNA, and preferentially cleaves A/U-rich sequences. Binds 1 Mg(2+) ion per subunit. Binds 2 Zn(2+) ions per homotetramer. Zinc ions are bound between subunits. Part of a chloroplastic degradosome-like complex. Interacts with RHON1 (PubMed:18441049, PubMed:22735703). A homotetramer formed by a dimer of dimers (By similarity). Expressed in cotyledons, rosette and cauline leaves. Reduced photosynthetic activity and retarded growth. Increased number and decreased size of chloroplasts. Loss of autotrophic growth. Pale cotyledons when grown on sucrose-complemented medium. Belongs to the RNase E/G family.