Ribosomal protein P2 alpha; a component of the ribosomal stalk, which is involved in the interaction between translational elongation factors and the ribosome; free (non-ribosomal) P2 stimulates the phosphorylation of the eIF2 alpha subunit (Sui2p) by Gcn2p; regulates the accumulation of P1 (Rpp1Ap and Rpp1Bp) in the cytoplasm