Used in biochemical research as a nucleoside analog, particularly in studies involving DNA synthesis and repair mechanisms. Serves as a substrate or inhibitor in enzyme assays involving deoxynucleoside kinases and purine metabolism enzymes. Also utilized in the development of antiviral and anticancer agents due to its structural similarity to natural nucleosides, allowing incorporation into nucleic acids to disrupt replication processes. Plays a role in mutagenesis studies by promoting base mispairing during DNA replication.