Among 180 Streptomyces strains tested, 25 were capable of hydrolyzing microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel) at 30 degrees C. Streptomyces reticuli was selected for further studies because of its ability to grow at between 30 and 50 degrees C on Avicel. Enzymatic activities degrading Avicel, carboxymethyl cellulose, and cellobiose were found both in the culture supernatant and in association with the mycelium and crystalline substrate. The bound enzymes were efficiently solubilized by repeated washes with buffer of low ionic strength (50 mM Tris hydrochloride [pH 7.5]) and further purified by fast protein liquid chromatography. A high-molecular-weight Avicelase of >300 kilodaltons could be separated from carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase) and beta-glucosidase activities (molecular mass, 40 to 50 kilodaltons) by gel filtration on Superose 12. The CMCase fraction was resolved by Mono Q anion-exchange chromatography into two enzymes designated CMCase 1 and CMCase 2. The beta-glucosidase activity was found to copurify with CMCase 2. The purified cellulase components showed optimal activity at around pH 7.0 and temperatures of between 45 and 50 degrees C. Avicelase (but not CMCase) activity was stimulated significantly by the addition of CaCl(2).