Used in microbiological research as a selective marker in bacterial growth media, particularly for studying cell wall biosynthesis in Gram-negative bacteria. Plays a role in the study of lysine metabolic pathways since it is an intermediate in the diaminopimelate pathway, which is essential for bacterial peptidoglycan formation. Also utilized in genetic studies involving auxotrophic mutants that require this compound for growth, helping to maintain plasmids in specific bacterial strains. Its presence is critical in assays designed to understand antibiotic targets affecting cell wall synthesis.