This is 1 of 5 proteins that mediate the attachment of the 5S rRNA onto the large ribosomal subunit, stabilizing the orientation of adjacent RNA domains. Modeling places the A and P site tRNAs in close proximity to this protein. Part of the 50S ribosomal subunit. Weakly binds 5S rRNA. Probably binds the A and P site tRNAs. Belongs to the universal ribosomal protein uL16 family.