Conjugative DNA transfer (CDT) is the unidirectional transfer of ssDNA plasmid from a donor to a recipient cell. It is the central mechanism by which antibiotic resistance and virulence factors are propagated in bacterial populations. Part of the relaxosome, which facilitates a site- and strand-specific cut in the origin of transfer by TraI, at the nic site. Cooperatively binds 3 regions in the F plasmid oriT locus; 2 are required for autoregulation while the other is required for plasmid transfer. Bends oriT DNA less than 50 degrees. Plasmid specificity is conferred by the TraD-TraM pair. Homotetramer. 2 homotetramers cooperatively bind to DNA although they do not contact each other; cooperativity is achieved by DNA kinking and unwinding (Probable). Part of the relaxosome, a complex composed of plasmid encoded TraI, TraM, TraY and host-encoded IHF which binds to the F plasmid origin of transfer (oriT) in a site- and sequence-specific manner. Interacts with TraD. Also interacts with TraY. Regulates its own expression from two promoters, requires TraY as well as expression of the tra operon for maximal transcription. TraM is in a monocistonic operon. Loss of conjugative DNA transfer. Belongs to the relaxosome TraM family.