What is the process called when a specific group of cells influences the differentiation of another group of cells?

The correct term for the process whereby one group of cells influences the differentiation of another group is induction. In developmental biology, induction refers to the mechanisms by which certain cells influence the development and specialization of neighboring cells through various signaling pathways. This can involve the release of signaling molecules that modify the behavior or fate of nearby cells, guiding them to differentiate into specific cell types tailored for particular functions or roles within the organism.

Induction plays a critical role in processes such as organ development, tissue formation, and patterning during embryonic development. For instance, during the development of the nervous system, certain tissues (like the notochord) can induce ectodermal cells to form neural tissue, showcasing the powerful influence that inductive interactions have in the body’s cellular architecture.

Other terms like potentiality, regulation, and specification involve different aspects of cell development. Potentiality refers to the ability of a cell to differentiate into various cell types, regulation pertains to the broader mechanisms that maintain homeostasis and balance within developmental processes, and specification is the stage where cells have begun to acquire a distinct fate, often influenced by preceding inductive signals.