If a deep-sea diver's diet lacks vitamin C during a prolonged underwater habitat mission, which consequence becomes increasingly likely?

💡 Explanation

Vitamin C is a crucial cofactor for prolyl hydroxylase and lysyl hydroxylase, enzymes essential for collagen synthesis. A deficiency leads to scurvy, because impaired hydroxylation prevents proper collagen cross-linking. Therefore, connective tissues weaken, rather than decompression sickness, nitrogen narcosis, or accelerated calcium deposition.

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