Required for meiotic recombination and cell cycle progression. Binds to single and double-stranded DNA, in the presence of magnesium, and exhibits DNA-dependent ATPase activity. Promotes DNA strand annealing and strand exchange via DNA recombinase activity and forms helical and stacked ring nucleoprotein filaments. Double stacked ring-shaped homooctamer (By similarity). Interacts with rdh54. Belongs to the RecA family. DMC1 subfamily.