RAD51 — Arabidopsis thaliana

Summary

AT5G20850, the RAD51 gene of Arabidopsis thaliana on chromosome 5, encodes a recombinase with ATP-dependent DNA damage sensor and chromatin remodeler activities, ssDNA and dsDNA binding, and ATP hydrolase activity, belonging to the RecA-like and Rad51 protein families. The gene is associated with DNA double-strand break repair, homologous recombination, meiotic crossover formation, and the SOS response. It is linked to male and female fertility, salt tolerance, radiation response, and mutagen resistance. Associations also include cytokinin content, floral organ identity, germination rate, root morphology, and disease tolerance. The protein localises to the nucleus, chromosomes, and mitochondria, and is connected to salicylic acid signalling and hormone metabolism pathways. Studies of related genes in other species link the family to fruit size.