Kinetic parameters for production of P-xylosidase by Kluyveromyces marxianus were determined in growth media containing glucose, xylose, cellobiose, sucrose and lactose as carbon sources. K. marxianus achieved maximum P-xylosidase specific product yield (Y-P/X) when grown on xylose. Basal level of activity was achieved in cultures grown on glucose. Kinetic parameters of enzyme production and cell mass formation were correlated. Enzyme synthesis was regulated by an induction mechanism and growth-dependent repression mechanism. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that the cell system exerted protection against thermal inactivation. A partially purified enzyme showed good stability when incubated at 60 degrees C and was quite stable at a pH of 5.0-7.0 and may be exploited for commercial applications. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.