Widely used as a tracer in metabolic studies to track glucose pathways in biological systems. Helps researchers understand glucose metabolism, including glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, and the pentose phosphate pathway. Applied in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry for precise analysis of metabolic processes. Useful in clinical research to study diabetes, cancer metabolism, and other metabolic disorders. Also employed in plant biology to investigate carbon fixation and photosynthesis. Its labeled carbon atom allows for accurate monitoring of glucose utilization and conversion in living organisms.