Used primarily in biochemical research, 5-Fluorocytidine is a nucleoside analog that plays a crucial role in studying RNA metabolism and function. It is incorporated into RNA molecules to investigate the effects of modified nucleosides on RNA structure and activity. This compound is also employed in the development of antiviral and anticancer therapies, as it can interfere with the replication of RNA viruses and the proliferation of cancer cells. Additionally, it serves as a tool in enzymology to study the mechanisms of RNA polymerases and other RNA-modifying enzymes. Its ability to mimic natural nucleosides makes it valuable for probing biological processes and designing therapeutic agents.