Chitinase is required for cell separation during growth of S.cerevisiae. Random endo-hydrolysis of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminide (1->4)-beta-linkages in chitin and chitodextrins. Most of the enzyme is secreted, but a significant amount of chitinase is also found associated with the cell wall through binding of C-terminal domain to chitin. Extensively glycosylated with a series of short O-linked mannose oligosaccharides ranging in size from Man(2) to Man(5). Present with 6350 molecules/cell in log phase SD medium. Belongs to the glycosyl hydrolase 18 family. Chitinase class V subfamily.