Used in biochemical and molecular biology research, particularly in studying the chlorophyll synthesis process in plants and algae. As an important precursor in the chlorophyll biosynthetic pathway, it helps researchers understand the mechanisms of involved enzymes, such as Mg-chelatase and subsequent enzymes in the biological pathway. Additionally, it serves as a standard in analysis techniques like HPLC or fluorescence imaging in biological systems due to its light-emitting properties when exposed to specific wavelengths, enabling the tracking of distribution or accumulation of substances in cells. Also investigated for its role in heme-related pathways and as a fluorescent probe in cellular studies.