Encodes a chloroplast/cytosol localized serine O-acetyltransferase involved in sulfur assimilation and cysteine biosynthesis. Expressed in the vascular system. The mRNA is cell-to-cell mobile.
Serine acetyltransferase which catalyzes the formation of O-acetyl-L-serine from acetyl-CoA and L-serine (PubMed:7851429, PubMed:9830017). Also displays O-acetylserine (thio1)-lyase activity in vitro (PubMed:7851429). May be involved in detoxification process by mediating the production of glutathione.