Used in biochemical research as a model compound for studying amino acid interactions and enzyme specificity, particularly in systems involving lysine and glutamic acid metabolism. It serves as a chiral building block in the synthesis of peptides and peptidomimetics, where its defined stereochemistry supports the development of biologically active molecules. Also employed in studies of amino acid transport mechanisms across cell membranes due to its structural similarity to essential amino acids. Its zwitterionic nature makes it useful in buffer systems for maintaining physiological pH in laboratory settings.