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 fungi and bacteria where it inhibits the growth of wild-type strains, allowing isolation of mutant strains with altered pyrimidine metabolism. Also utilized in the development and study of antifungal and anticancer agents due to its structural similarity to natural pyrimidine compounds.