Putative RNA binding protein; partially redundant function with paralog MIP6 in the steady-state expression, translational timing and localization of a subset of Ndt80-dependent mRNAs that are protected until translated near the end of meiosis II; regulator of meiotic commitment; redundant function with MIP6 in sporulation; localizes to puncta near the openings of the prospore membrane; suppressor of a DNA polymerase epsilon mutation; induced by NDT80