Binds the lower part of the 30S subunit head. Binds mRNA in the 70S ribosome, positioning it for translation. TTHA1686 rpsC MGNKIHPIGFRLGITRDWESRWYAGKKQYRHLLLEDQRIRGLLEKELYSAGLARVDIERAADNVAVTVHVAKPGVVIGRGGERIRVLREELAKLTGKNVALNVQEVQNPNLSAPLVAQRVAEQIERRFAVRRAIKQAVQRVMESGAKGAKVIVSGRIGGAEQARTEWAAQGRVPLHTLRANIDYGFALARTTYGVLGVKAYIFLGEVIGGQKPKARPELPKAEERPRRRRPAVRVKKEE 239 rps3 RS3_THET8 30S ribosomal protein S3