Used in biochemical research as an intermediate in nucleotide synthesis pathways, particularly in studies involving pyrimidine metabolism. Serves as a selective agent in microbiology and molecular biology to screen for mutations in genes related to uracil biosynthesis. Commonly applied in genetic studies of yeast and bacteria where it helps identify strains with defects in the URA3 or similar metabolic pathways. Also utilized in the development of antifungal and anticancer agents due to its structural similarity to natural pyrimidine compounds.