Solubility of Myofibrillar Proteins

Myofibrillar proteins are soluble in:

Correct Answer: Salt

Myofibrillar proteins (e.g., Actin, Myosin, Tropomyosin) are salt-soluble — they require a salt solution (high ionic strength) for extraction.

Meat Protein Solubility Chart

• Myofibrillar proteins (Actin, Myosin, Tropomyosin, Troponins, Desmin, Connectins) → Salt-soluble; constitute 50–60% of total muscle proteins
• Sarcoplasmic proteins (Myoglobin, glycolytic enzymes) → Water-soluble (and also salt-soluble); constitute 30–35% of total muscle proteins
• Stromal/Connective tissue proteins (Collagen, Reticulin, Elastin) → Almost insoluble in both water and salt; constitute 10–15% of total muscle proteins

This solubility property is exploited in sausage/emulsion-type meat product manufacturing — salt extracts myofibrillar proteins which act as emulsifiers.