Enables extracellularly glycine-gated chloride channel activity; glycine binding activity; and transmitter-gated ion channel activity involved in regulation of postsynaptic membrane potential. Involved in glycinergic synaptic transmission; inhibitory postsynaptic potential; and response to alcohol. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including adult walking behavior; regulation of respiratory gaseous exchange by nervous system process; and righting reflex. Located in several cellular components, including external side of plasma membrane; glycinergic synapse; and inhibitory synapse. Is expressed in brain; brainstem; and spinal cord. Used to study hyperekplexia and hyperekplexia 1. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in hyperekplexia 1. Orthologous to human GLRA1 (glycine receptor alpha 1). [provided by Alliance of Genome Resources, Apr 2022]