Repulsion more important than cohesion in embryonic tissue separation

As our bodies form, cells within the embryo divide and separate. Certain cells come together to form the outer layer, or ectoderm, of the early embryo, and give rise to tissue such as the skin and nervous system (spine, peripheral nerves and brain). Other cells come together to form the mesoderm or middle layer of the embryo, and eventually give rise to tissue like muscle, heart or bone. Once cells have been assigned to the different regions - mesoderm or ectoderm - a mysterious mechanism draws boundaries between them that mark their permanent separation. Any defect in these boundaries leads to disorganised mixing of cell populations, severe embryo abnormalities and eventually lethality...

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