Final answer:
The degradation of the extracellular matrix is primarily done by a zinc-containing enzyme family known as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).
Step-by-step explanation:
The degradation of the extracellular matrix is accomplished mostly by a zinc-containing enzyme family called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). These enzymes play a crucial role in tissue remodeling and have been implicated in various physiological and pathological processes, including cancer where MMPs such as MMP2 and MMP9 are up-regulated and involved in tumor invasion, progression, and metastasis. The usage of these enzymes has also been explored in targeted drug delivery systems due to their high expression in tumor sites. Enzymes like these that contain metals in their active site are called metalloproteases, and zinc specifically is necessary for MMP activity.