Component of the ribosome, a large ribonucleoprotein complex responsible for the synthesis of proteins in the cell. The small ribosomal subunit (SSU) binds messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and translates the encoded message by selecting cognate aminoacyl-transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules. The large subunit (LSU) contains the ribosomal catalytic site termed the peptidyl transferase center (PTC), which catalyzes the formation of peptide bonds, thereby polymerizing the amino acids delivered by tRNAs into a polypeptide chain. The nascent polypeptides leave the ribosome through a tunnel in the LSU and interact with protein factors that function in enzymatic processing, targeting, and the membrane insertion of nascent chains at the exit of the ribosomal tunnel (PubMed:22096102). uS2 is required for the assembly and/or stability of the 40S ribosomal subunit. Required for the processing of the 20S rRNA-precursor to mature 18S rRNA in a late step of the maturation of 40S ribosomal subunits (PubMed:9973221, PubMed:14627813). Component of the small ribosomal subunit (SSU). Mature yeast ribosomes consist of a small (40S) and a large (60S) subunit. The 40S small subunit contains 1 molecule of ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) and 33 different proteins (encoded by 57 genes). The large 60S subunit contains 3 rRNA molecules (25S, 5.8S and 5S rRNA) and 46 different proteins (encoded by 81 genes) (PubMed:9559554, PubMed:22096102). N-terminally acetylated by acetyltransferase NatA. Reduction in growth rate, a decrease in free 40S subunits, an increase in the amount of free 60S subunits and a decrease in polysome size. Present with 93700 molecules/cell in log phase SD medium. There are 2 genes for uS2 in yeast. This protein appears to have acquired a second function as a laminin receptor specifically in the vertebrate lineage. This protein does not bind laminin. Belongs to the universal ribosomal protein uS2 family.