Used in glycosylation reactions for the synthesis of complex carbohydrates and glycoconjugates. Serves as a donor substrate for galacturonic acid transfer in enzymatic processes, particularly in pectin biosynthesis studies. Applied in biochemical research to investigate cell wall formation in plants and microbial systems. Also utilized in the development of glyco-engineered therapeutics and diagnostics due to its role in modifying biological molecules with uronic acid moieties.