Plays a central role in social feeding behavior by synthesizing 3',5'-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) from GTP. Oxygen, which probably binds to its heme-binding sites, may regulate social behavior by modulating its activity. cGMP is a common second messenger in sensory transduction and is implicated in oxygen sensation. Indeed, C.elegans exhibits a strong behavioral preference for 5-12% oxygen, avoiding higher and lower oxygen levels; a higher level of oxygen inducing a naturally polymorphic social feeding behavior. Involved in avoidance of hyperoxia and for oxygen-induced aggregation and bordering, probably by mediating oxygen sensing in URX, AQR and PQR sensory neurons. GTP = 3',5'-cyclic GMP + diphosphate Binds 1 or 2 heme groups per heterodimer. Regulated by molecular oxygen, which binds to the heme binding site. Probably not activated by nitric oxide (NO) (By similarity). Heterodimer; heterodimerizes with gcy-35, and possibly with other soluble guanylate cyclases. Expressed in URX, AQR and PQR neurons. There are two types of guanylate cyclases: soluble forms and membrane-associated receptor forms. Belongs to the adenylyl cyclase class-4/guanylyl cyclase family.