Probable DNA helicase. Required for DNA repair and intramolecular recombination; probably has overlapping function with RecS (AC P50729). It probably acts to help generate ss-DNA from ds-DNA breaks. ATP + H2O = ADP + H(+) + phosphate Localized throughout the nucleoid in the presence or absence of DNA double-strand breaks. Cells lacking this gene are moderately sensitive to DNA-damaging agents. Sensitivity increases in the presence of mutated AddAB nuclease. Belongs to the helicase family. RecQ subfamily.