Specification is the first stage of commitment that results in a specified cell or tissue.  Specified cells or tissues can differentiate autonomously.  However, the cell commitment can be changed if the cell or tissue is translated to a population of cells that are differently specified.  Specification proceeds determination.  

Specification

The state in which a cell's fate has been determined even though it hasn't displayed changes in biochemistry and function yet.  Its fate has been restricted.  

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- differentiation
- commitment
- specification
- determination

Terminology of Developing Patterning

Barresi, M. J., &amp; Gilbert, S. F. (2020). Developmental Biology (12th ed.). New York: Sinauer.

Developmental Biology (12th ed.)

The process where a cell stops dividing and develops its unique traits, including specialized structural elements and functional properties.  

Differentiation

Commitment

Determination is the second stage of commitment that results in a determined cell or tissue.  The determined state is irreversible, and the cell or tissue will proceed towards its given fate even when it is placed in a new environment.  Determination follows specification.  

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