Involved in the activation cascade of caspases responsible for apoptosis execution. Acts downstream of rpr. Cleaves baculovirus p35 and lamin DmO in vitro. Heterotetramer that consists of two anti-parallel arranged heterodimers, each one formed by a 21 kDa (p21) and a 12 kDa (p12) subunit. Inactive pro-form can homodimerize. Dronc and Drice can form a stable complex (PubMed:10675329). Interacts with Diap2 (via BIR3 domain) to form a stable complex (PubMed:18166655). Expressed at all stages where apoptosis occurs. Belongs to the peptidase C14A family.