Binds 16S rRNA, required for the assembly of 30S particles and may also be responsible for determining the conformation of the 16S rRNA at the A site (By similarity). The major S14 protein in the ribosome. Required for binding of S2 and S3 to the 30S subunit and for association of the 30S with the 50S subunit. Binds 1 zinc ion per subunit. Part of the 30S ribosomal subunit (PubMed:30126986, PubMed:17163968). Contacts proteins S3 and S10 (By similarity). Cannot be disrupted; as the protein decreases in cells 70S ribosome formation decreases rapidly, with concomitant loss of S2, S3 and YugI proteins from the 30S subunit. Belongs to the universal ribosomal protein uS14 family. Zinc-binding uS14 subfamily.