Question

Which steak with a specific sarcomere length would likely be more tender?

A) 3.2 micrometers
B) 2.1 micrometers
C) Both would be equally tender
D) It depends on other factors

Answer 1

A steak with a sarcomere length of 3.2 micrometers would likely be more tender than one with a length of 2.1 micrometers. However, tenderness can also be affected by various other factors, including the specific cut of meat, connective tissue, and cooking methods.

Step-by-step explanation:

The tenderness of a steak is generally influenced by the length of its sarcomeres, which are the basic units of muscle fibers that contract and relax to allow movement. A shorter sarcomere length typically indicates that the muscle has contracted and toughened, while a longer sarcomere length suggests a more relaxed state and potentially a more tender cut of meat. Thus, between a steak with a sarcomere length of 3.2 micrometers and one with 2.1 micrometers, the steak with the sarcomere length of 3.2 micrometers would likely be more tender. However, it's important to note that tenderness is also influenced by other factors such as the cut of meat, the amount of connective tissue, and how the steak was cooked.