May have a photoreceptor function and might bind ss- and ds-DNA in a sequence non-specific manner. Lacks photolyase activity. Has a potential role in detecting the dawn and dusk transitions and, consequently, in circadian input pathways. Binds 1 FAD per subunit. Binds 1 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate (MTHF) per subunit. Expressed in the endosperm and embryo 96 hours after seed imbibition. In the embryo, detected in the root meristem, the root cap, the shoot apical meristem and the epidermis of cotyledons. In adult plants, detcted in roots, the whole leaf lamina, the stem and in glandular trichomes. Circadian-regulation showing peaks at dawn and at dusk. 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate (MTHF) acts as a functional antenna for the photoreduction of FAD. Belongs to the DNA photolyase class-1 family.