Used as a fluorescent nucleic acid stain in molecular biology for detecting DNA and RNA in gel electrophoresis. It intercalates into double-stranded nucleic acids and emits strong fluorescence under UV or blue light, allowing visualization of DNA bands in agarose gels. Commonly used as a safer alternative to ethidium bromide due to lower mutagenicity. Also applied in real-time PCR and nucleic acid quantification techniques where sensitive detection is required.