A patient with a rare genetic mutation has significantly reduced keratin filament cross-linking in their epidermal cells. Which consequence follows regarding skin integrity?

💡 Explanation

Reduced keratin cross-linking impairs the skin's mechanical strength because these filaments provide structural integrity and resist physical stresses. Therefore, the skin becomes more susceptible to damage from abrasion, rather than altered melanin production, sebum secretion, or collagen synthesis.

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