Part of a complex that function as an ATP-dependent zinc metallopeptidase. Involved in the thylakoid formation and in the removal of damaged D1 in the photosystem II, preventing cell death under high-intensity light conditions. Binds 1 zinc ion per subunit. Interacts with CHIP and HSP70. Heterohexamers with FTSH2, FTSH5 and FTSH8. Ubiquitous. Low expression in cotyledons, increasing with leaves development. By high light. The FTSH1 precursor is ubiquitinated by CHIP in the cytoplasm. No visible changes in phenotype, probably due to a complementation by FTSH5. The presence of both FTSH1 or FTSH5 (subunit type A) and FTSH2 or FTSH8 (subunit type B) is essential for an active complex formation. In the N-terminal section; belongs to the AAA ATPase family. In the C-terminal section; belongs to the peptidase M41 family.