Determinate cleavage is a type of embryonic development in which the fate of each cell is determined early. This typically results in the production of cells with specific, predetermined functions.
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Determinate cleavage is often found in protostomes, such as arthropods and mollusks.
In determinate cleavage, removing one cell from an early-stage embryo can result in incomplete development.
This type of cleavage usually follows a spiral pattern during cell division.
The opposite of determinate cleavage is indeterminate cleavage, where each cell retains the potential to develop into a complete organism.
Determinate cleavage ensures specialized cells are formed early, which contributes to the efficient development of complex structures.
Review Questions
What types of animals typically exhibit determinate cleavage?
How does determinate cleavage affect the developmental potential of individual cells?
What is the main difference between determinate and indeterminate cleavage?
Related terms
Protostomes: A group of animals characterized by determinate and spiral cleavage during embryonic development.
Spiral Cleavage: A form of embryonic development where cells divide at oblique angles, resulting in a spiral pattern.
Indeterminate Cleavage: A form of embryonic development where each cell retains the potential to develop into a complete organism, common in deuterostomes.