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

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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.)

Differentiation

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.  

Commitment

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

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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