How differed popcorn from other corn?

* Other Corn:

-Denser

- Smaller

- Harder endosperm

- Thin pericarp

* Popcorn:

- Larger

- Softer starch

- Thicker pericarp

Popping Mechanism:

* Other Corn:

- Doesn't pop due to the small size and dense structure of the endosperm.

* Popcorn:

- Pops when heated because of:

- Moisture inside kernel turns into steam

- Pressure builds up inside due to the hard pericarp

- Kernel explodes causing starch to expand and puff into 'popcorn.'

Starch Composition:

* Other Corn:

- Higher amylose content

-Amylose molecules align tightly, making the endosperm hard

* Popcorn:

- Higher amylopectin content

-Amylopectin molecules are branched and loosely packed

Shape:

* Other Corn:

- Round or Dented

* Popcorn:

-Flinty and has rounded top and pointed base.

Uses:

* Other Corn:

- Primarily for animal feed, cornmeal, corn starch, and other culinary uses.

* Popcorn:

- Specifically grown and used for popping and making it a popular snack.