carbohydrate degradation L-arabinose degradation Degradation of L-arabinose Degradation of L-arabinose, a major constituent of plant material. Bacteria and fungi can utilize this pentose sugar via different pathways. Two distinct pathways convert L-arabinose to D-xylulose 5-phosphate via L-ribulose (in bacteria) or via L-arabitol (in fungal). An additional pathway has been recently discovered in bacteria (A. brasiliense, H. seropedicae, P. saccharophila, S. meliloti). In this pathway, L-arabinose is oxidized to L-arabino-gamma-lactone. GO:0019572 pathway UPa:UPA00463