Random endo-hydrolysis of N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminide (1->4)-beta-linkages in chitin and chitodextrins. Expressed at low levels in roots, leaves and meristems. Belongs to the glycosyl hydrolase 19 family. Chitinase class I subfamily. Lacks the chitin binding type-1 domain wich is one of the conserved features of the chitinase class I and class IV subfamilies.