Enables RNA binding activity and RNA endonuclease activity. Involved in embryo development; nematode larval development; and regulatory ncRNA-mediated gene silencing. Located in cytoplasm. Part of RISC complex. Expressed in several structures, including gonad; hypodermis; neurons; somatic cell; and ventral nerve cord. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in alcohol dependence and glaucoma. Is an ortholog of human AGO2 (argonaute RISC catalytic component 2).