Catalytic component of the chromatin structure- remodeling complex (RSC); which is involved in transcription regulation and nucleosome positioning. RSC is responsible for the transfer of a histone octamer from a nucleosome core particle to naked DNA. The reaction requires ATP and involves an activated RSC-nucleosome intermediate. Remodeling reaction also involves DNA translocation; DNA twist and conformational change. As a reconfigurer of centromeric and flanking nucleosomes; RSC complex is required both for proper kinetochore function in chromosome segregation and; via a PKC1-dependent signaling pathway; for organization of the cellular cytoskeleton. This subunit is the essential ATPase of the complex. It is a DNA translocase capable of nucleosome remodeling. Required for full expression of early meiotic genes. Essential for mitotic growth and repression of CHA1 expression. Also involved in G2 phase control. {ECO:0000269|PubMed:10025404; ECO:0000269|PubMed:10320476; ECO:0000269|PubMed:10329629; ECO:0000269|PubMed:12072455; ECO:0000269|PubMed:12183366; ECO:0000269|PubMed:12697820; ECO:0000269|PubMed:8980231; ECO:0000269|PubMed:9799253}.