If a mutation reduces the functionality of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in the eye, which consequence involving nutrient transport to photoreceptors is most likely?

💡 Explanation

RPE cells support photoreceptors by transporting nutrients and removing waste; impaired RPE function disrupts this transport, starving photoreceptors. Because metabolic stress increases, photoreceptor cell death is more likely; therefore, degeneration risk increases, rather than improved light sensitivity from increased rhodopsin.

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