(1,3)-beta-D-Glucan synthase of Candida albicans was rendered soluble by treatment of membrane preparations with the polyoxyethylene ether detergent W-1. Extraction with 0.025% W-1 at 4 degrees C for 24 h effectively solubilized and activated the enzyme. Under these conditions, greater than 85% of the protein in membrane preparations was released, and about 64% of the glucan synthase activity could be recovered in the soluble form. Soluble enzyme activity was stable for more than 12 days at 4 degrees C. Also, glucan synthase activity in the extracted membrane preparations could be activated to achieve more than twice the enzyme activity in the original, unextracted membrane preparations. The soluble glucan synthase had characteristics similar to those of the membrane-bound enzyme. Soluble glucan synthase had an apparent Km of 2.0 mM, and particulate glucan synthase had an apparent Km of 2.5 mM. Kinetics of cilofungin inhibition for both enzyme preparations were noncompetitive, with an apparent Ki of 2.5 microM; both preparations could be inhibited by cilofungin but not by its peptide nucleus or side chain, either alone or in combination. The reaction products from both forms of the enzyme were sensitive to (1,3)-beta-D-glucanase degradation but not to alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase, or proteinase K degradation and thus were shown to be beta(1----3) glucan.