Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.0.0)
Enables several functions, including ferrochelatase activity; heme binding activity; and iron-responsive element binding activity. Involved in heme A biosynthetic process; heme B biosynthetic process; and heme O biosynthetic process. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including multicellular organismal-level iron ion homeostasis; porphyrin-containing compound metabolic process; and regulation of protein metabolic process. Located in mitochondrial inner membrane. Is active in mitochondrial matrix. Is expressed in several structures, including choroid plexus; heart; integumental system; liver and biliary system; and respiratory system. Used to study erythropoietic protoporphyria. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in cutaneous porphyria and erythropoietic protoporphyria. Orthologous to human FECH (ferrochelatase).