denaturation

• proteins have a complex structure
• when food is cooked, proteins denature - which means the chemical bonds holding their structure together break down
• the proteins unravel and their shape changes, in most cases this is irreversible
• proteins can be denatured in different ways including:

  • physical agitation (whisking, kneading, beating)
  • changes in temperature (heat)
  • acids (lemon juice)