Uridylic acid plays a significant role in biochemical processes, particularly in the synthesis of RNA. It serves as a building block for RNA molecules, contributing to the formation of nucleotides that are essential for genetic coding and protein synthesis. In research, uridylic acid is used to study enzyme mechanisms, especially those involving RNA polymerase and other enzymes that interact with nucleotides. It is also employed in the development of antiviral and anticancer drugs, as it can interfere with the replication of viral RNA or disrupt cancer cell proliferation. Additionally, uridylic acid is utilized in metabolic studies to understand cellular energy transfer and nucleic acid metabolism. Its applications extend to biotechnology, where it aids in the production of modified RNA for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes.