If a patient develops a rare genetic disorder preventing keratinocyte differentiation in the epidermis, which consequence is most likely?

💡 Explanation

Keratinocyte differentiation is essential for forming the stratum corneum, the skin's primary barrier. Disrupted differentiation impairs the barrier function, because it causes an increase in pathogen invasion and infection. Therefore, increased infection risk occurs, rather than increased melanin, sebum, or collagen, which serve other functions.

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