How is determination distinct from differentiation? how is determination distinct from differentiation? determination occurs when a cell commits to two particular ways of specializing but does not show any obvious specialized properties. differentiation goes after determination when the cell chooses one way of specializing by showing more and more characteristics associated with a particular cell type. differentiation occurs when a cell commits to a particular way of specializing but does not show any obvious specialized properties. determination is the process of becoming a specialized cell by showing more and more characteristics associated with a particular cell type. determination occurs when a cell commits to a particular way of specializing but does not show any obvious specialized properties. differentiation is the process of becoming a specialized cell by showing more and more characteristics associated with a particular cell type. determination occurs when a cell quits the cell cycle and remains in g0 phase. differentiation is the process of becoming a specialized cell by showing more and more characteristics associated with a particular cell type.