The process involved in the specification of cell identity. Once specification has taken place, a cell will be committed to differentiate down a specific pathway if left in its normal environment.

The process of introducing a phosphate group on to a protein.

The cellular process in which a signal is conveyed to trigger a change in the activity or state of a cell. Signal transduction begins with reception of a signal (e.g. a ligand binding to a receptor or receptor activation by a stimulus such as light), or for signal transduction in the absence of ligand, signal-withdrawal or the activity of a constitutively active receptor. Signal transduction ends with regulation of a downstream cellular process, e.g. regulation of transcription or regulation of a metabolic process. Signal transduction covers signaling from receptors located on the surface of the cell and signaling via molecules located within the cell. For signaling between cells, signal transduction is restricted to events at and within the receiving cell.

Any intracellular signal transduction in which the signal is passed on within the cell via cyclic AMP (cAMP). Includes production of cAMP, and downstream effectors that further transmit the signal within the cell.

The process in which a relatively unspecialized cell acquires the specialized features of a cellular spore, a cell form that can be used for dissemination, for survival of adverse conditions because of its heat and dessication resistance, and/or for reproduction.

The process in which the sorocarp is generated and organized. An example of this process is found in Dictyostelium discoideum.

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of kinase activity, the catalysis of the transfer of a phosphate group, usually from ATP, to a substrate molecule.

Any process that mediates the adoption of a specific fate by a cell.

The phosphorylation by a protein of one or more of its own amino acid residues (cis-autophosphorylation), or residues on an identical protein (trans-autophosphorylation).

Any process that modulates the frequency, rate or extent of aggregation during sorocarp development. Aggregation involved in sorocarp development is the process whose specific outcome is the progression of the aggregate over time, from its formation to the point when a slug is formed. Aggregate development begins in response to starvation and continues by the chemoattractant-mediated movement of cells toward each other. The aggregate is a multicellular structure that gives rise to the slug.

Any process that modulates the rate, frequency, or extent of directed movement of a motile cell or organism up a concentration gradient of 3',5'-cAMP.