What component of the proximal tubule, if not functional, would have the most severe effect on kidney function

that would be called plucking : )

explanation:

''plucking, also referred to as quarrying, is a glacial phenomenon that is responsible for the erosion and transportation of individual pieces of bedrock, especially large "joint blocks". as a glacier moves down a valley, friction causes the basal ice of the glacier to melt and infiltrate joints (cracks) in the bedrock."