This enzyme belongs to the family of lyases, specifically the carboxy-lyases, which cleave carbon-carbon bonds. The systematic name of this enzyme class is UDP-D-galacturonate carboxy-lyase (UDP-L-arabinose-forming). Other names in common use include UDP-galacturonic acid decarboxylase, UDPGalUA carboxy lyase, and UDP-D-galacturonate carboxy-lyase. This enzyme participates in nucleotide sugars metabolism.