5-Bromocytidine is primarily used in biochemical research as a modified nucleoside. It serves as a valuable tool in studying nucleic acid structure and function, particularly in the investigation of RNA and DNA interactions. Researchers utilize it to introduce bromine atoms into nucleic acids, enabling the study of molecular mechanisms through techniques like X-ray crystallography and electron microscopy. This modification helps in understanding the role of specific nucleotides in biological processes, such as transcription and translation. Additionally, 5-Bromocytidine is employed in the synthesis of modified oligonucleotides, which are essential for developing probes and therapeutic agents targeting genetic diseases. Its application extends to the field of enzymology, where it aids in exploring enzyme-substrate interactions and catalytic mechanisms involving nucleic acids.