Encodes the small subunit of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase. The small subunit is the catalytic isoform responsible for ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase activity. The presence of the small subunit is required for large subunit stability. Two isoforms of the small subunit (ApS1 and ApS2) have been described. ApS1 is the major small subunit isoform present in all plant tissues tested. The mRNA is cell-to-cell mobile.