A patient with cystic fibrosis experiences severely impaired nutrient absorption despite supplemental digestive enzymes. Which process is responsible for this outcome?

💡 Explanation

Cystic fibrosis causes defective transmembrane chloride transport, thickening mucus secretions that block pancreatic enzyme delivery to the duodenum. This severely impairs nutrient absorption, because pancreatic enzymes cannot effectively break down nutrients; therefore, transmembrane chloride transport is responsible rather than enhanced enzyme activation or increased villi surface area, which would improve absorption under normal conditions.

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