Used in molecular biology and biochemistry as a tool for studying DNA and RNA interactions. It acts as a modified nucleoside, enabling researchers to investigate the structure and function of nucleic acids. The iodine atom in the molecule allows for specific labeling, making it useful in X-ray crystallography to determine the three-dimensional structure of DNA. Additionally, it can be incorporated into oligonucleotides to study enzyme mechanisms, such as those involving polymerases and nucleases. Its unique properties also make it valuable in probing the effects of modified bases on DNA replication and repair processes.