Used extensively in molecular biology for staining DNA in cells and tissues, particularly in fluorescence microscopy. It binds preferentially to AT-rich regions of DNA, emitting blue fluorescence under UV light, making it valuable for chromosome visualization, nuclear staining, and cell cycle studies. Also employed in viability assays to distinguish between live and dead cells based on membrane permeability. Its application extends to flow cytometry for DNA content analysis and in genetic research for identifying nucleic acids in complex biological samples.