D-xylose dehydrogenase involved in the degradation of D-xylose, a major component of hemicelluloses such as xylan. Catalyzes the initial reaction in the xylose utilization pathway by oxydizing D-xylose into D-xylonolactone. Shows some activity toward L-arabinose, but little to none toward D-arabinose, L-xylose, D-ribose, D-galactose, D-glucose or D-glucose-6-phosphate. D-xylose + NAD(+) = D-xylono-1,5-lactone + H(+) + NADH Impairs growth on D-xylose as sole energy and carbon substrate. Belongs to the short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDR) family.