Why do certain things, like eggs, become more solid when heated or cooked?

Question

Why do certain things, like eggs, become more solid when heated or cooked?

In: Chemistry

Answer 1

Eggs are made of proteins. Proteins are just long chains of atoms. These atoms interact with each other to give the protein its shape and its properties. When heat is applied (during cooking, for example), these proteins can break down and denature, causing a change in its physical properties. The proteins in eggs become solid and white when denatured.