Final answer:
A mutation in choline phosphotransferase would prevent the formation of phosphatidylcholine, a major component of cell membranes, which could impair membrane synthesis and function.
Step-by-step explanation:
A deactivating mutation in choline phosphotransferase would prevent the formation of phosphatidylcholine. Choline phosphotransferase is an enzyme that catalyzes the final step in the biosynthetic pathway of phosphatidylcholine, involving the transfer of a phosphocholine group from CDP-choline to diacylglycerol (DAG), thereby forming phosphatidylcholine.
This phospholipid is a major component of cell membranes and is involved in various functions, including membrane integrity, choline metabolism, and lipid transport. Therefore, a mutation that deactivates choline phosphotransferase would impair cell membrane synthesis and function, potentially affecting cell signaling, membrane fluidity, and transport processes.