Binds together with S18 to 16S ribosomal RNA. Part of the 30S ribosomal subunit (PubMed:328274, PubMed:10094780, PubMed:12809609, PubMed:16272117, PubMed:27934701, PubMed:12244297, PubMed:27906160, PubMed:27906161, PubMed:28077875). Interacts weakly with L2 in one of the 3.5 A resolved structures (PubMed:16272117). 5 different forms of the protein, varying only in the number of C-terminal glutamate residues, were isolated. The sequence shown is form S6-6, which is the longest. The first two Glu are encoded by the rpsF gene, the other Glu are added post-translationally by the RimK enzyme. Belongs to the bacterial ribosomal protein bS6 family. Up to 4 Glu residues can be added post-translationally. Up to 4 Glu residues can be added post-translationally. Up to 4 Glu residues can be added post-translationally. Up to 4 Glu residues can be added post-translationally.