Widely used as a pH indicator in laboratory settings, especially in electrophoresis. It changes color from yellow to blue as the pH increases, typically around pH 3.0 to 4.6, making it useful for monitoring the progress of agarose and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Added directly to samples, it allows visualization of migration during DNA or protein separation. Also serves as a tracking dye, helping to estimate how far the sample has moved through the gel. Commonly included in loading buffers to ensure even sample distribution and to prevent diffusion. Its distinct color change and solubility in aqueous solutions make it ideal for routine biochemical analysis.