Functions in the early steps of protein synthesis of a small number of specific mRNAs. Acts by directing the binding of methionyl-tRNAi to 40S ribosomal subunits. In contrast to the eIF-2 complex, it binds methionyl-tRNAi to 40S subunits in a codon-dependent manner, whereas the eIF-2 complex binds methionyl-tRNAi to 40S subunits in a GTP-dependent manner. Specifically associates with both 40S subunits and 80S ribosomes. Ubiquitinated, probably leading to its degradation. May explain why it has a short half-life of 17 minutes. Belongs to the WD repeat EIF2A family.