Part of the ESX-1 / type VII specialized secretion system (T7SS), which exports several proteins including EsxA and EsxB (PubMed:15687187). Plays a role in DNA conjugation, in both donor and recipient strains (PubMed:15314236, PubMed:18554329). EccA1 exhibits ATPase activity and may provide energy for the export of ESX-1 substrates (By similarity). Part of the ESX-1 / type VII secretion system (T7SS), which is composed of cytosolic and membrane components (By similarity). Increases efficiency of DNA conjugation when disrupted in donor strain (PubMed:15314236). Loss of DNA conjugation when disrupted in recipient strain (PubMed:18554329) No effect on secretion of EsxA or EsxB (PubMed:15687187). EsxB secretion was not seen in this disruption in strain MDK8 (PubMed:18554329). DNA conjugation in M.smegmatis is unidirectional with distinct donor and recipient strains; mc(2)155 is a donor strain while MKD8 is a recipient strain. Mutations in a donor strain that alter DNA transfer do not always alter DNA transfer in a recipient strain. Belongs to the CbxX/CfxQ family. Extended N-terminus.