Used in cell culture media as a precursor for purine nucleotides, supporting the growth of certain fastidious microorganisms and hybridoma cells. Plays a role in nucleic acid synthesis in biological research, especially in studies involving purine metabolism. Serves as a biomarker for anaerobic metabolism and tissue hypoxia in clinical and physiological studies. Also utilized in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, including antiviral and anticancer agents that mimic purine bases.