One of the primary rRNA binding proteins (PubMed:3298242). Located near the base of the L1 stalk, it is probably also mobile. Required for association of the 30S and 50S subunits to form the 70S ribosome, for tRNA binding and peptide bond formation (PubMed:8722025). It has been suggested to have peptidyltransferase activity; this is highly controversial. In the E.coli 70S ribosome in the initiation state it has been modeled to make several contacts with the 16S rRNA (forming bridge B7b, PubMed:12809609); these contacts are broken in the model with bound EF-G. Part of the 50S ribosomal subunit (Ref.4, PubMed:7556101, PubMed:11114255, PubMed:10094780, PubMed:10756104, PubMed:12809609, PubMed:16272117, PubMed:25310980, PubMed:24844575, PubMed:27934701, PubMed:27906160, PubMed:27906161). Forms a bridge to the 30S subunit in the 70S ribosome, contacting the 16S rRNA (PubMed:12809609). Interacts weakly with S6 in one of the 3.5 A resolved structures. This protein can be partially replaced in vivo by its H.marismortui (HmaL2) or human (L8, from the 60S cytoplasmic ribosome) homolog. Belongs to the universal ribosomal protein uL2 family.