Syncytial specification is one mode of cell commitment that utilizes autonomous and conditional specification mechanisms.  It occurs in a cytoplasm that contains multiple nuclei, known as a syncytium.  The cytoplasm contains gradients that control cell fate along the egg cell's anterior-posterior axis.  As nuclei are positioned along the anterior-posterior axis after fertilization, they experience different concentrations of cytoplasmic determinants.  This interaction between the multiple nuclei and the differing amounts of determinants give rise to differing cell fates.  

Syncytial Specification

Autonomous specification is one mode of cell commitment.  Blastomeres are apportioned different amounts of cytoplasmic determinants based off of the non-homogenous distribution of these specifying factors in the egg that gave rise to the embryo.  Early blastomeres are already specified and determined to their fate, meaning that these cells "know" what to become without interacting with other cells.  

Autonomous Specification

Factors found within the egg cell cytoplasm that regulate gene expression.  These molecules, such as transcription factors, determine cell fate.  

Michigan State University

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.  

Determination

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

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