Component of the elongator complex which is required for multiple tRNA modifications, including mcm5U (5-methoxycarbonylmethyl uridine), mcm5s2U (5-methoxycarbonylmethyl-2-thiouridine), and ncm5U (5-carbamoylmethyl uridine) (By similarity). The elongator complex catalyzes formation of carboxymethyluridine in the wobble base at position 34 in tRNAs (By similarity). Promotes organ development by modulating cell division rate. Prevents abscisic acid (ABA) signaling leading to stomatal closure and seedling growth inhibition. Involved in oxidative stress signaling. Prevents anthocyanin accumulation. Accelerator of defense gene induction required for rapid defense gene induction, and for the establishment of both basal and effector-triggered immunity (ETI), in a NPR1-independent manner, but is not required for systemic acquired resistance (SAR) establishment (PubMed:19500300, PubMed:20807211). tRNA modification; 5-methoxycarbonylmethyl-2-thiouridine-tRNA biosynthesis. Component of the elongator complex which consists of ELP1/ELO2, ELP2, ELP3/ELO3, ELP4/ELO1, ELP5, and ELP6. Additional isoforms seem to exist. Expressed in leaves, stems, roots, flowers, siliques and guard cells. Folds into a two seven-bladed beta-propeller structure which is required for elongator complex assembly. Narrow leaves and reduced root growth that results from a decreased cell division rate. Increased abscisic acid (ABA) sensitivity and drought tolerance. Higher resistance to oxidative stress mediated by methyl viologen (MV) that blocks electron transport during photosynthesis and by CsCl in light. Accumulates anthocyanins. Reduced defense gene induction kinetics and salicylic acid (SA) accumulation mediated by pathogens (e.g. Pseudomonas syringae pv. maculicola) accompanied by an enhanced susceptibility in npr1 deficient plants. No experimental confirmation available. Belongs to the WD repeat ELP2 family. The elongator complex was originally thought to play a role in transcription elongation. However, it is no longer thought to play a direct role in this process and its primary function is thought to be in tRNA modification.