Part of the twin-arginine translocation (Tat) system that transports large folded proteins containing a characteristic twin-arginine motif in their signal peptide across membranes. TatA could form the protein-conducting channel of the Tat system. The Tat system comprises two distinct complexes: a TatABC complex, containing multiple copies of TatA, TatB and TatC subunits, and a separate TatA complex, containing only TatA subunits. Substrates initially bind to the TatABC complex, which probably triggers association of the separate TatA complex to form the active translocon. Essential for growth. Belongs to the TatA/E family.