Non-catalytic component of the NatA N-terminal acetyltransferase, which catalyzes acetylation of proteins beginning with Met-Ser, Met-Gly and Met-Ala. N-acetylation plays a role in normal eukaryotic translation and processing, protect against proteolytic degradation and protein turnover. NAT1 anchors ARD1 and NAT5 to the ribosome and may present the N termini of nascent polypeptides for acetylation. Component of the N-terminal acetyltransferase A (NatA) complex, which is composed of ARD1, NAT1 and NAT5. Can self-associate. NAT1 associates with the nascent polypeptide chain and the ribosome. The N-terminus is blocked. Present with 7600 molecules/cell in log phase SD medium.