Involved in double-strand break repair and/or homologous recombination by mediating RAD51- and DMC1-facilitated DNA repair. Plays an essential role in both somatic and meiotic homologous recombination. Is crucial for the formation of RAD51 and DMC1 foci during male meiotic homologous recombination in prophase I. Interacts with RAD51 and DMC1 (PubMed:15014444, PubMed:16415210). Interacts with DSS1(I) and DSS1(V) (PubMed:16415210). Can interact with both RAD51 and DSS1(I) or both DMC1 and DSS1(I) in a tripartite complex (PubMed:16415210). Expressed in flower buds. No visible phenotype under normal growth conditions, but the double mutants brca2a and brca2b are sterile due to aberrant chromosome aggregates, chromosomal fragmentation and missegregation during meiosis.