Final answer:
Protein denaturation occurs when the structure of a protein changes, making it unable to perform its function. In the case of angel food cake, protein denaturation happens when the egg whites are whipped and then baked, resulting in a stable cake structure.
Step-by-step explanation:
Protein denaturation refers to the change in the structure of a protein, rendering it unable to perform its function. Denaturation can occur due to various factors such as heat, acids, bases, and exposure to certain substances. In the case of angel food cake, protein denaturation occurs when the egg whites are whipped and then folded into the cake batter. The whipping process introduces air into the egg whites, causing the proteins to unfold and form a stable foam. When the cake is baked, the heat further denatures the proteins and helps set the structure of the cake.