The SA node exhibits automaticity; it can spontaneously generate action potentials without neural input.

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#Id: 90

#Unit 5. Developmental Biology

Autonomous Specification

Cell “knows” very early what it is to become without interacting with other cells

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#Id: 91

#Unit 5. Developmental Biology

Autonomously specified cells capable of differentiating autonomously (i.e., by itself) when placed in an environment that is neutral with respect to the developmental pathway.

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#Id: 92

#Unit 5. Developmental Biology

In Autonomous Specification

Prospective potency is equal to prospective fate.

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#Id: 93

#Unit 5. Developmental Biology

Autonomous Specification

Produces "mosaic" ("determinative") development 

Cells cannot change fate if a blastomere is lost

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#Id: 94

#Unit 5. Developmental Biology

In Autonomous Specification, 

Cytoplasmic determinants are apportioned to different blastomeres of the early embryo.

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#Id: 95

#Unit 5. Developmental Biology

Cytoplasmic Determinants

Blastomeres of the early embryo are apportioned a set of critical determination factors within the egg cytoplasm that determine cell fate