Final answer:
In minimal change disease, effacement of podocyte foot processes is the characteristic histologic finding seen on electron microscopy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristic histologic finding in minimal change disease when a kidney biopsy shows normal results on light microscopy and immunofluorescence but reveals effacement of podocyte foot processes when examined using electron microscopy is effacement of podocyte foot processes.
Podocytes are specialized cells in the kidney that form finger-like processes called pedicels. These pedicels interdigitate to form a filtration membrane. In minimal change disease, the foot processes of the podocytes become effaced or flattened, which leads to increased permeability of the filtration membrane and protein leakage into the urine.
This characteristic finding can only be seen using electron microscopy, which provides higher resolution and allows for detailed examination of the ultrastructure of the cells.
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