Enables cyclin binding activity; cyclin-dependent protein serine/threonine kinase activity; and magnesium ion binding activity. Involved in peptidyl-serine phosphorylation and positive regulation of cell population proliferation. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including G1/S transition of mitotic cell cycle; potassium ion transport; and regulation of cellular macromolecule biosynthetic process. Located in chromosome and nucleus. Part of cyclin-dependent protein kinase holoenzyme complex and transcription regulator complex. Is expressed in several structures, including brain; branchial arch; ear; integumental system; and limb. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in prostate cancer and renal cell carcinoma. Orthologous to human CDK2 (cyclin dependent kinase 2). [provided by Alliance of Genome Resources, Apr 2022]