Binds to 23S rRNA. Part of the 50S ribosomal subunit. Belongs to the universal ribosomal protein uL23 family. Could be the product of a pseudogene. RPL23 has been split into 2 overlapping ORFs in the Caryophyllales. Although these genes are transcribed, this is probably the product of a pseudogene; the protein purified with the 50S subunit is the product of a nuclear-encoded gene (AC Q9LWB5).