&bgr;-1,3-GLUCANASE, POLYNUCLEOTIDE, RECOMBINANT VECTOR, TRANSFORMANT, PRODUCTION METHOD FOR &bgr;-1,3-GLUCANASE, ENZYME PREPARATION, AND PRODUCTION METHOD FOR PARAMYLON HAVING REDUCED MOLECULAR WEIGHT

摘要

Provided is a &bgr;-1,3-glucanase that exhibits decomposition activity with respect to Euglena genus-derived paramylon. The &bgr;-1,3-glucanase is derived from the Euglena genus and exhibits the properties indicated below. (1) Effect: hydrolyzes the &bgr;-1,3- bond of &bgr;-1,3-glucan. (2) Substrate specificity: decomposes at least paramylon. The &bgr;-1,3-glucanase additionally exhibits the properties indicated below. (3) Decomposition activity: the ratio of paramylon decomposition activity with respect to laminarin decomposition activity is 20% or higher. (4) Optimum pH: 3.7-7.0. (5) Optimum temperature: 30-70 °C.