Xanthosine is widely used in biochemical research, particularly in studies related to nucleotide metabolism and purine biosynthesis. It serves as a precursor in the synthesis of various nucleotides, making it valuable for understanding cellular processes and enzymatic pathways. In the field of biotechnology, xanthosine is utilized in the production of xanthosine derivatives, which have applications in developing antiviral and anticancer agents. Additionally, it plays a role in plant biology research, where it is used to study the biosynthesis of caffeine and other purine alkaloids in plants like coffee and tea. Its significance in metabolic engineering also extends to enhancing the production of desired compounds in microorganisms.