If gene therapy successfully restores function to retinal pigment epithelium cells in a patient with age-related macular degeneration, which consequence follows regarding waste removal from photoreceptor cells?

💡 Explanation

When gene therapy restores retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell function, the phagocytosis mechanism of photoreceptor outer segments improves. This occurs because RPE cells are responsible for removing shed outer segments, and therefore, the restored function directly enhances this process, rather than alternatives that involve unchanging accumulation or increased drusen formation.

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