Probably required for both normal cellular growth and differentiation. Inactivation of pknA leads to colonies that appear light green and rough in the absence of combined nitrogen. ATP + L-seryl-[protein] = ADP + H(+) + O-phospho-L-seryl-[protein] ATP + L-threonyl-[protein] = ADP + H(+) + O-phospho-L-threonyl-[protein] Belongs to the protein kinase superfamily. Ser/Thr protein kinase family.