It does not exist as an independent unit (e.g., analogous to the ribosome), but assembles de novo at the origin for each replication cycle.

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#Unit 5. Developmental Biology

Conditional specification is the process by which cells achieve their respective fates by interacting with other cells.

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#Unit 5. Developmental Biology

In conditional specification the array of interactions it has with its neighbors, which may include: 

cell-to-cell contacts (juxtacrine factors)

secreted signals (paracrine factors)

physical properties of its local environment (mechanical stress)

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#Unit 5. Developmental Biology

In Conditional Specification

Prospective potency is greater than prospective fate.

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#Unit 5. Developmental Biology

Massive cell rearrangements and migrations precede or accompany conditional specification.

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#Id: 101

#Unit 5. Developmental Biology

Conditional Specified cells

Capacity for "regulative" development

Allows cells to acquire different functions

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#Id: 102

#Unit 5. Developmental Biology

If conditionally specified cells are removed from the embryo, the remaining cells can regulate and compensate for the missing part.