In the realm of developmental biology, cells communicate extensively to ensure proper development and differentiation. A fundamental aspect of this process is the ability of a cell to respond to certain inductive signals that direct its development into specific cell types or tissues. This ability is termed competence.

Competence is defined as the capacity of a cell or tissue to recognize and respond to an inductive signal. Without competence, even if a cell is exposed to an inductive signal, it will not undergo the developmental changes triggered by that signal. Competence is, therefore, a prerequisite for effective cell signaling during development.

For instance, during eye formation, the ectoderm must be competent to respond to signals from the optic vesicle to form the lens. This example illustrates how competence enables specific developmental pathways in response to signals from other cells. Competence is regulated by intrinsic cell factors, such as the presence of certain receptors and transcription factors that facilitate signal reception and downstream gene expression.

This contrasts with related terms such as potency, which refers to the range of possible fates a cell can adopt, and specification, which is the process by which a cell’s fate is influenced but not yet fixed.

Summarizing the key points:

• Competence is the ability of a cell to respond to an inductive signal.

• It is essential for correct tissue and organ development.

• Competence depends on the presence of the molecular machinery to receive and transduce signals.

• Without competence, inductive signals have no effect on a cell.

Among the options given:

(1) Potency – Cell’s potential range of fates, not specific to responsiveness.
(2) Equivalence – Not relevant here.
(3) Competence – The correct term for the ability to respond to induction.
(4) Specification – The process of fate determination, not the ability to respond.

Therefore, the answer is:

(3) Competence