In this project the growth and production of JB-1,3-glucanase by Basidiomycete sp QM 806 was investigated, with a view to studying its application in B-1,3-glucan degradation and in yeast extract production. The effect of various parameters on 3-1 »3-glucanase production was examined. The optimal conditions for enzyme production in submerged shake-flask culture were chosen. Two B-1,3-glucans (laminarin and yeast cell walls) were degraded using the B-1,3-glucanase produced. The degradation products were identified using a high performance liquid chromatographic method developed during this project. The B-1,3-glucanase produced by Basidiomycete sp QM 806 was compared with other commercially available enzyme preparations, namely Kitalase and Novozym-234 which were also used in B-1,3-glucan degradation experiments. Yeast extract production experiments were conducted using the Basidiomycete sp QM 806 culture supernatant, Kitalase and Novozym-234. These experiments involved treating whole baker's yeast cells (obtained commercially) with the various enzyme preparations and calculating by dry weight the percentage yeast extract produced. A comparison was drawn between the enzyme preparations.