Plays a role in repairing double-strand DNA breaks, probably involving stabilizing or processing branched DNA or blocked replication forks (By similarity). Required for efficient transformation with chromosomal (linear) DNA, but not for replicative plasmid DNA. Its increased sensitivity to a DNA damaging agent suggests it may be required for DNA repair (PubMed:17631629). The middle region has homology to RecA with ATPase motifs including the RadA KNRFG motif, while the C-terminus is homologous to Lon protease (By similarity). Unlike most bacteria many S.pneumoniae do not have the N-terminal putative zinc-finger. Natural transformation efficiency with chromosomal DNA decreases to 10%; uptake of replicating plasmid DNA is unaffected. Increased sensitivity to methyl methanesulfonate but not UV light (PubMed:17631629). Belongs to the RecA family. RadA subfamily.