Imagine you're a doctor, and a patient comes to you with a rare medical condition. It seems that their epidermal cells are not producing keratin. Which of the following symptoms are they most likely to experience?

• A. They will have reduced sensitivity to touch.
• B. They're much more prone to sunburn.
• C. Their skin will tear easily upon exposure to mechanical stress.
• D. Their skin will harden significantly.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of keratin in the epidermis: Keratin is a key structural protein in the epidermal cells that provides strength and resilience to the skin. It helps protect the skin from mechanical stress and damage.
2. Consider the symptoms related to keratin deficiency: Without keratin, the skin loses its protective barrier, making it more susceptible to tearing and damage when exposed to mechanical stress.
3. Evaluate the options given: Reduced sensitivity to touch is not directly related to keratin production. Increased susceptibility to sunburn is more related to melanin deficiency. Hardening of the skin is contrary to the expected symptom of keratin deficiency.
4. Identify the most likely symptom: Given the role of keratin, the skin tearing easily upon exposure to mechanical stress is the most plausible symptom of keratin deficiency.
5. Conclude the analysis: The absence of keratin compromises the skin's integrity, leading to increased vulnerability to physical damage, which aligns with the symptom of skin tearing easily.