This is a family of L-arabinose isomerases, AraA, EC:5.3.1.4. These enzymes catalyze the reaction: L-arabinose <=> L-ribulose. This reaction is the first step in the pathway of L-arabinose utilisation as a carbon source after entering the cell L-arabinose is converted into L-ribulose by the L-arabinose isomerases enzyme.