When
these molecules are heated, different reactions
occur and the basic shape of the molecule changes,
which is how food is cooked and why it usually
changes texture, color, consistency, etc as it is
heated.
Proteins
A
protein is a intertwined "chain" of organic
molecules. When heated, these molecules
"unfold", separate, and coagulate.
As these molecules unfold, the
texture of the food usually firms up. This is why when eggs
are overcooked, they
become rubbery. Same goes for how hard and chewy a steak can
get if overcooked.
Sugars
Sugar
molecules are less complex than protein
molecules. When heated, these molecules
undergo a transformation similar
to protein molecules except that they do not
necessarily unfold but they do coagulate and
release (thus also require) a
lot
more energy than protein molecules. This
changes the consistency of the food making
it "stickier".
The food also gains a browner color. This is
because the sugars caramelize as heat is
applied.
Fats
These
molecules are chains of organic molecules
that do not mix with water and therefore
do not evaporate. Fats melt when heated.
Water
All foods
contain water. Water molecules evaporate
when heated to a certain temperature.
This dries out the food
and creates air pockets where the water
molecules used to be. This is why you
see steam when cooking foods, especially
on
the stove top. The evaporated water
molecules are escaping from the food.
Starches
When
starch and liquid is heated, starch
granules expand and thicken. This
thickens the overall consistency of
the starch and liquid
mixture because the expanded starch
molecules occupy more and more space.
This is why bread rises (and has air
pockets)
as it bakes. The water molecules
evaporate while starch molecules
expand.
(Photo credits:
janielsantos3b.edublogs.org and
sciencephotz