Involved in fatty-acid beta-oxidation prior to gluconeogenesis during germination and subsequent seedling growth. Implicated in jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis (By similarity). acetyl-CoA + an acyl-CoA = a 3-oxoacyl-CoA + CoA Lipid metabolism; fatty acid metabolism. Homodimer. Low levels in seedlings and leaves. Belongs to the thiolase-like superfamily. Thiolase family.