If a patient develops impaired collagen synthesis and weakened blood vessel walls because of insufficient dietary intake, which vitamin-dependent enzymatic mechanism is most likely deficient?

💡 Explanation

Vitamin C is essential for prolyl hydroxylase activity, which is required for collagen synthesis. Scurvy arises because impaired hydroxylation leads to unstable collagen and weakened blood vessels; therefore, prolyl hydroxylase deficiency explains the symptoms, rather than alternative metabolic enzyme deficiencies.

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