Used primarily in research settings to study cell biology and genetics, this compound acts as an antimetabolite, interfering with nucleic acid synthesis. It is employed to inhibit the growth of certain types of cells, particularly in experiments focused on understanding cancer cell proliferation and resistance mechanisms. Additionally, it serves as a tool in microbiology to explore the effects of purine analogs on microbial growth and metabolism. Its application extends to the development of therapeutic strategies targeting abnormal cell growth, providing insights into potential treatments for diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell division.