Recombinase that may participate in meiotic recombination, specifically in homologous strand assimilation, which is required for the resolution of meiotic double-strand breaks (Probable). Exhibits DNA-dependent ATPase activity when bound to single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). Mediates renaturation of homologous complementary strands as well as assimilation of single strands into homologous supercoiled duplexes leading to D-loop formation (PubMed:15821864). Binds circular single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and circular double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) in vitro (PubMed:15821864, PubMed:26118128). Catalyzes DNA homologous renaturation and DNA strand exchange. The rates of these activities are dependent on the state of ATP hydrolysis (PubMed:16689935, PubMed:26118128). Forms helical filaments along ssDNA and dsDNA, and promotes strand exchange between ssDNA and dsDNA with long DNA substrates of several thousand base pairs. The presence of the replication protein A is not required for this activity (PubMed:18583359). Seems to be required for homologous pairing and subsequent chromosome segregation during male meiosis (PubMed:17562186). May be not directly required for homologous pairing during male meiosis. Required for synaptonemal complex assembly and crossover formation. Functions redundantly with DMC1B (PubMed:26960731). Expressed in meiotic young panicles. Plant silencing DMC1A are sterile due to defects in homologous pairing and subsequent chromosome segregation during male meiosis. Belongs to the RecA family. DMC1 subfamily.