Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.0.0)
Enables 5-aminolevulinate synthase activity. Involved in heme A biosynthetic process; heme B biosynthetic process; and heme O biosynthetic process. Located in mitochondrion. Is active in mitochondrial matrix. Is expressed in several structures, including adrenal gland; alimentary system; liver; and male reproductive system. Orthologous to human ALAS1 (5'-aminolevulinate synthase 1).