Tubercidin is primarily used in research settings due to its potent biological activity. It functions as an antibiotic by interfering with RNA synthesis and protein production in susceptible microorganisms, making it effective against certain bacteria and fungi. Its structural similarity to adenosine allows it to be incorporated into nucleic acids, disrupting normal cellular processes. In biochemical research, tubercidin serves as a tool to study nucleoside metabolism and enzyme inhibition, particularly in pathways involving ATP-dependent enzymes and kinases. It has also shown antiviral and antitumor properties in laboratory studies, prompting interest in its potential as a lead compound for developing anticancer agents. However, due to its high toxicity, it is not used clinically and remains restricted to experimental applications.