Essential cell division protein that stabilizes the FtsZ protofilaments by cross-linking them and that serves as a cytoplasmic membrane anchor for the Z ring (PubMed:9008158, PubMed:11847116, PubMed:22164258, PubMed:22304478, PubMed:23233671). Also required for the recruitment to the septal ring of the downstream cell division proteins FtsK, FtsQ, FtsL and FtsN (PubMed:11847116, PubMed:11948172). ZipA overproduction protects FtsZ from degradation by ClpP by preventing recognition by ClpX (PubMed:23233671). Does not affect the GTPase activity of FtsZ (PubMed:10209756). Interacts with FtsZ via their C-terminal domains (PubMed:9008158, PubMed:10209756, PubMed:10880432, PubMed:22164258). Can form homodimers prior to association with FtsZ (PubMed:22304478). Localizes to the Z ring in an FtsZ-dependent manner (PubMed:9008158, PubMed:9864327, PubMed:10209756). Localization does not depend upon FtsA or FtsI (PubMed:9864327, PubMed:10209756). Repressed 1.5-fold by hydroxyurea. Contains an N-terminal transmembrane domain, followed by a charged domain, an unstructured P/Q domain rich in proline and glutamine, and a C-terminal FtsZ-binding domain. Has been isolated as a 91 kDa complex containing ZipA-EptA and an unidentified 24 kDa protein (PubMed:16079137), but it was shown later that there is no physical interaction between ZipA and EptA (PubMed:22304478). Belongs to the ZipA family.