Subunit of the non-synaptic neuronal acetylcholine receptor, which may play a role in chemotaxis towards choline. After binding choline or 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 (PubMed:9860996, PubMed:11273652). The functional receptor is a heteromer of deg-3 and des-2. Interacts with ric-3; which is required for proper receptor folding. Enriched in the sensory endings of sensory neurons. This locus is redundant or nonessential as suppression of deg-3 function results in wild-type revertants. Belongs to the ligand-gated ion channel (TC 1.A.9) family. Acetylcholine receptor (TC 1.A.9.1) subfamily.