Final answer:
A muscle cell can produce more force during an isometric contraction compared to an isotonic contraction because isometric contractions allow for maximum cross-bridge formation between actin and myosin, leading to greater force production.
Step-by-step explanation:
A muscle cell can produce more force during an isometric contraction than it can during an isotonic contraction that results in shortening because of the mechanism involved in muscle tension and contraction. During an isometric contraction, the muscle generates tension by forming cross-bridges between actin and myosin within the sarcomeres, but the muscle length remains constant because the skeletal muscle tension cannot overcome the load. This allows for maximum cross-bridge formation, which is critical for force production. On the other hand, during isotonic contractions, the sarcomeres successfully shorten and move a load, which means that less force is generated compared to the potential max during isometric contractions because the muscle is actively shortening, not all cross-bridges can form optimally.