Potentially capable of cleaving the specific glycoside linkages in the process of mucin degradation in human intestinal tract (Probable). Hydrolyzes synthetic substrate pNP-beta-GlcNAc with high activity and pNP-beta-GalNAc to a lot lesser extent. Does not hydrolyze pNP-alpha-GalNAc. Hydrolysis of terminal non-reducing N-acetyl-D-hexosamine residues in N-acetyl-beta-D-hexosaminides. Inhibited by Mn(2+) and Ca(2+) ions. Maintains 17% and 60% of its enzymatic activity with Mn(2+) and Ca(2+), respectively. No significant change in activity by the addition of Na(+), K(+) and Mg(2+) ions. kcat is 5.57 sec(-1) and kcat/KM is 202.45 mM(-1)sec(-1) with pNP-beta-GlcNAc as substrate. Stable enzymatic activity between pH 7.0 and pH 9.0. Significant decrease in activity with pH lower than 7 and pH greater than 9.0. Highest enzymatic activity at temperatures between 30 and 40 degrees Celsius. Activity is decreased greatly above 45 or below 25 degrees Celsius. Belongs to the glycosyl hydrolase 20 family.