When the cells of a sea urchin embryo are separated at the 4-cell stage, each cell can give rise to a normal larva.  Despite the fact that each cell can produce a larva, they are not identical, and they are smaller in size than normal.  

Conditional Specification in Sea Urchins

Michigan State University

Conditional specification is one mode of cell commitment.  This process allows cells to gain their respective fates by interacting with other cells through juxtacrine factors, paracrine factors, and the physical properties of the cell's environment.  Conditional specification depends on conditions, including physical location.  

Conditional Specification

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

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