Used in plant physiology research to study stress responses and sugar metabolism in plants. Plays a role in the biosynthesis of raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs), which are involved in protecting plant cells against abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and cold. Also utilized in studies related to carbohydrate transport and storage in plant tissues. Its hydrate form supports stability in experimental conditions, making it suitable for in vitro enzyme assays and metabolic pathway analysis.