Encodes calcium dependent protein kinase 3 (CPK3), a member of the Arabidopsis CDPK gene family. CDPKs contain an intrinsic Ca2+-activation domain with four EF hand Ca2+-binding sites. CDPKs protein kinases have been proposed to function in multiple plant signal transduction pathways downstream of [Ca2+]cyt elevations, thus transducing various physiological responses. CPK3 is expressed in both guard cells and mesophyll cells. Functions in guard cell ion channel regulation. ABA and Ca(2+) activation of slow-type anion channels and, interestingly, ABA activation of plasma membrane Ca(2+)-permeable channels were impaired in independent alleles of single and double cpk3cpk6 mutant guard cells. Furthermore, ABA- and Ca(2+)-induced stomatal closing were partially impaired in these cpk3cpk6 mutant alleles. CPK6 is also a member of the Arabidopsis CDPK family.