It is widely used in molecular biology and plant science as a substrate for detecting β-glucuronidase (GUS) activity. When applied, it is cleaved by the GUS enzyme, producing an insoluble blue precipitate that allows for the visualization of gene expression patterns in transgenic plants. This makes it a valuable tool for studying promoter activity, gene regulation, and cell-specific expression in plant tissues. Additionally, it is utilized in histochemical staining to identify and localize GUS activity in plant cells, aiding in the analysis of genetic modifications and developmental processes. Its application is critical in research involving plant transformation and genetic engineering.