Essential for spore differentiation. ATP + L-tyrosyl-[protein] = ADP + H(+) + O-phospho-L-tyrosyl-[protein] Expressed in vegetative cells and throughout development with a peak during the mound stage of morphogenesis. Tyrosine kinase domain is capable of autophosphorylation, in vitro; however it is also autophosphorylated on serine and threonine residues. Belongs to the protein kinase superfamily. TKL Tyr protein kinase family.