Predicted to enable cysteine-type endopeptidase activity. Involved in several processes, including maintenance of sister chromatid cohesion; nuclear division; and sexual reproduction. Located in several cellular components, including intracellular membrane-bounded organelle; metaphase plate; and microtubule cytoskeleton. Part of separase-securin complex. Is an ortholog of human ESPL1 (extra spindle pole bodies like 1, separase).