How does the jelly layer chANGE AFTER A SPERM CELL FUSES WITH THE EGG CELL?

After a sperm cell fuses with an egg cell, the jelly layer, or zona pellucida, undergoes a process called cortical reaction. This reaction causes the release of enzymes that alter the jelly layer's structure, preventing additional sperm from binding and entering the egg, thereby ensuring that only one sperm fertilizes the egg. This change is critical for maintaining the genetic integrity of the fertilized egg and initiating the development of the embryo.