Cytochrome c oxidase assembly protein COX16 homolog, mitochondrial

Required for the assembly of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex IV (CIV), also known as cytochrome c oxidase. Promotes the insertion of copper into the active site of cytochrome c oxidase subunit II (MT-CO2/COX2). Interacts specifically with newly synthesized MT-CO2/COX and its copper center-forming metallochaperones SCO1, SCO2 and COA6. Probably facilitates MT-CO2/COX2 association with the MITRAC assembly intermediate containing MT-CO1/COX1, thereby participating in merging the MT-CO1/COX1 and MT-CO2/COX2 assembly lines.