pcs-1 encodes a phytochelatin synthase; PCS-1 exhibits cadmium-activated synthesis of phytochelatins, peptides with the general structure (gamma-Glu-Cys)n-Xaa that sequester heavy metals, and is required in animals for the response to, and detoxification of cadmium; when expressed in yeast, PCS-1 also mediates the detoxification of mercury and arsenic.
Enables glutathione gamma-glutamylcysteinyltransferase activity. Involved in phytochelatin biosynthetic process and response to metal ion. Expressed in several structures, including coelomocyte; non-striated muscle; pharyngeal-intestinal valve; pharynx; and rectal valve cell.