One of the primary rRNA binding proteins, it binds specifically to the 5'-end of 16S ribosomal RNA. In the hcf60 mutation the Activator tag is inserted 17 base pars upstream of the initiation codon. This mutation is seedling lethal, due to plastid ribosome insufficiency. However under non-light stressed conditions photosynthesis and oxygen evolution can occur. Part of the 30S ribosomal subunit. Belongs to the universal ribosomal protein uS17 family.