During the differentiation stage the cells acquire an identity (phenotype). Each cell's axon thus begins to grow toward the target and acquires/expresses specific enzymes to produce neurotransmitters and receptors. And the most importantly, myelination of the neurons begin during this stage. There are numerous ways that axons find its target: 1. pathway selection 2. target selection, address selection 3.direct cell to cell communication 4. detection of extracellular signals from other cells 5.communication via diffusable chemical signals from cells at a distance.
