After binding acetylcholine, the AChR responds by an extensive change in conformation that affects all subunits and leads to opening of an ion-conducting channel across the plasma membrane. Forms a homooligomeric channel blocked by alpha-bungarotoxin. The structure is probably pentameric (By similarity). Alpha-7 transcripts transiently accumulate in the developing optic tectum between E5 and E16. Belongs to the ligand-gated ion channel (TC 1.A.9) family. Acetylcholine receptor (TC 1.A.9.1) subfamily. Alpha-7/CHRNA7 sub-subfamily.