Binds to single and double-stranded DNA and exhibits DNA-dependent ATPase activity. Unwinds duplex DNA (By similarity). Component of the meiotic recombination pathway. Seems to play a role in mediating chromosome homology search, chromosome pairing and synapsis at early stages and probably chromosome crossing-over at later stages in meiosis. Probably is involved in the repair of meiotic double strand breaks (DBSs) generated by AtSPO11-1 and in homologous recombination. Its function is dispensable for vegetative growth and root mitosis. Self-associates and interacts with XRCC3 (PubMed:12139010). Binds to RAD54/CHR25 (PubMed:17227544). Interacts with BRCA2A and BRCA2B (PubMed:16415210). Can form a tripartite complex with both BRCA2B and DSS1(I) (PubMed:16415210). Detected in various tissues. Higher expression in reproductive tissues than in vegetative tissues, with the highest expression level in young flower buds. At cellular level, is expressed at low levels in flower primordia, then at higher levels in young anthers and at highest levels in both females and males meiocytes. Not detected in gametophytes. Cell cycle regulated, peaking at the S phase. It is also expressed at high levels in exponentially growing cells in suspension cultures. By genotoxic stress and by DNA damage (gamma-radiation, UV-B). Regulated by ATM in response to DNA double strand breaks (DSBs). Belongs to the RecA family. RAD51 subfamily.