Encodes an alpha carbonic anhydrase (CAH1) located in the chloroplast stroma. Most chloroplast proteins are encoded by the nuclear genome and imported with the help of sorting signals that are intrinsic parts of the polypeptides. CAH1 takes an alternative route through the secretory pathway, and becomes N-glycosylated before entering the chloroplast. Glycosylation and intra-molecular disulfide bridge fromation are necessary for the correct folding, ER export, trafficking and activity of the protein.