Used as a fluorescent stain in biological research to differentiate between DNA and RNA in cells. It binds to nucleic acids and emits green fluorescence when bound to DNA and red-orange when bound to RNA, allowing visualization under a fluorescence microscope. Commonly applied in cell viability assays, where it distinguishes live cells from dead ones based on membrane integrity. Also employed in microbiology to detect and enumerate microorganisms in environmental and clinical samples. Its ability to intercalate into double-stranded nucleic acids makes it useful in studying nucleic acid structure and function. Additionally, used in flow cytometry for cell cycle analysis and apoptosis detection.