One of the primary rRNA binding proteins, it binds very close to the 3'-end of the 23S rRNA. Forms part of the L1 stalk. It is often not seen in high-resolution crystal structures, but can be seen in cryo_EM and 3D reconstruction models. These indicate that the distal end of the stalk moves by approximately 20 angstroms (PubMed:12859903, PubMed:16272117). This stalk movement is thought to be coupled to movement of deacylated tRNA into and out of the E site, and thus to participate in tRNA translocation (PubMed:12859903, PubMed:16272117). Contacts the P and E site tRNAs. Protein L1 is also a translational repressor protein, it controls the translation of the L11 operon by binding to its mRNA. Part of the 50S ribosomal subunit. Cross-links to the P and E site tRNAs. Belongs to the universal ribosomal protein uL1 family.