Protein kinase that participates in the induction of vulva and has a role in fertility and viability. Acts downstream of the Ras protein let-60. Required for progression of developing oocytes through the pachytene stage. Positively regulates lifespan upstream of mek-2 and mpk-1. ATP + L-seryl-[protein] = ADP + H(+) + O-phospho-L-seryl-[protein] ATP + L-threonyl-[protein] = ADP + H(+) + O-phospho-L-threonyl-[protein] Binds 2 Zn(2+) ions per subunit. Interacts with cdf-1 in a zinc-dependent manner which promotes its activity. Belongs to the protein kinase superfamily. TKL Ser/Thr protein kinase family. RAF subfamily.