Applications
D-(-)-Arabinose is used in culture media for some bacteria. It serves as a component of biopolymers such as hemicellulose and pectin. In the synthetic biology laboratory, it is employed as a reversible switch for protein expression under the Pbad promoter (i.e. part of plasmids) in E. coli. Further, it acts as an inhibitor of the enzyme glucose dehydrogenase. In addition to this, it is used as a pharmaceutical intermediate and food additive.

Solubility
Soluble in water.

Notes
Hygroscopic. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.