Plays essential roles in DNA damage repair in both somatic and meiotic cells. It is important for postsynaptic events following pachytene in meiosis. It is also required for DNA cross-links repair and is involved in double strand breaks (DSBs) repair. Interacts with RAD51C. Detected in various tissues. More expressed in reproductive tissues than in vegetative tissues, with the highest level in young flower buds. By genotoxic stress and by DNA damage. Belongs to the RecA family. RAD51 subfamily.