workbench
Server Details
Hosted DNA/RNA/protein tools: primers, oligos, PCR, cloning, CRISPR, alignment, batch & pipelines.
- Status
- Healthy
- Last Tested
- Transport
- Streamable HTTP
- URL
Glama MCP Gateway
Connect through Glama MCP Gateway for full control over tool access and complete visibility into every call.
Full call logging
Every tool call is logged with complete inputs and outputs, so you can debug issues and audit what your agents are doing.
Tool access control
Enable or disable individual tools per connector, so you decide what your agents can and cannot do.
Managed credentials
Glama handles OAuth flows, token storage, and automatic rotation, so credentials never expire on your clients.
Usage analytics
See which tools your agents call, how often, and when, so you can understand usage patterns and catch anomalies.
Tool Definition Quality
Average 4/5 across 71 of 84 tools scored. Lowest: 2.9/5.
Most tools have clearly distinct purposes, with detailed descriptions that minimize ambiguity. A few pairs (e.g., plasmid_annotate vs plasmid_deep_annotate, construct_qc vs construct_autofix) are closely related but still differentiable.
Tool names follow mixed conventions: some are verb_noun (characterize_sequence), some noun_verb (alphafold_lookup), some single word (batch). There's a tendency to use suffixes like _design, _annotate, _submit, but no uniform pattern.
84 tools is very high, but the server covers an exceptionally broad range of molecular biology tasks (sequence analysis, CRISPR, protein, expression, etc.), making the count somewhat justified. However, it still feels heavy and might overwhelm users.
The tool set is remarkably comprehensive for general molecular biology: from basic sequence manipulation to advanced CRISPR design, protein analysis, and variant annotation. Minor gaps exist (e.g., no phylogenetic tree building, no metagenomics), but core workflows are well-covered.
Available Tools
84 toolsalphafold_lookupLook up an AlphaFold structure predictionARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Look up a UniProt accession in the AlphaFold Protein Structure Database (CC-BY 4.0). Returns confidence, model version and structure file URLs, or {found:false} when no prediction exists for that accession.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| accession | Yes | UniProt accession, e.g. "P04637". |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint and idempotentHint. The description adds details about return values (confidence, model version, file URLs) and the failure case ({found:false}), plus the license. No contradictions.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences, front-loaded with the core action, no redundancy.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the simple one-parameter input and no output schema, the description fully explains the return format including success and failure cases.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with a clear description and example. The tool description does not add further parameter guidance beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description specifies the action ('look up'), the resource ('UniProt accession in the AlphaFold Protein Structure Database'), and the database license. It clearly distinguishes itself from sibling tools like 'protein_annotate' or 'sequence_fetch' by focusing solely on AlphaFold predictions.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies use when needing AlphaFold predictions for a given UniProt accession. It does not explicitly state when not to use, but the narrow scope makes misapplication unlikely.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
aso_designASO Gapmer DesignerARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Design antisense-oligonucleotide (ASO) gapmers against an mRNA target: scans candidate sites, builds the antisense oligo in the standard 5-10-5 architecture (chemically-modified wings, central DNA gap for RNase H1, phosphorothioate backbone), and screens each for known liabilities (G-quadruplex motifs, CpG immunostimulation, self-complementarity, GC extremes). No transcriptome-wide off-target search.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| wing | No | Modified-wing length on each side (nt); the central gap = length − 2×wing. | |
| length | No | Total gapmer length (nt). | |
| target | Yes | Nucleotide sequence (raw or FASTA; IUPAC accepted). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Beyond the annotations (readOnlyHint, idempotentHint), the description adds rich behavioral context: it scans candidate sites, builds the antisense oligo with specific chemistry, screens for liabilities, and explicitly states what it does not do. This fully informs the agent of the tool's behavior.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences long, front-loads the core purpose, and includes all essential details without unnecessary words. Every sentence adds value.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
While the purpose and behavior are well described, the output format is not mentioned. With no output schema to rely on, the agent is left uncertain about what the tool returns (e.g., list of designs, scores). This gap reduces completeness for a read-only design tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema covers all three parameters with descriptions, but the description adds meaningful context by explaining the 5-10-5 architecture linking wing and length, and the screening steps. This provides additional semantics beyond the schema defaults and descriptions.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool designs ASO gapmers against mRNA targets, specifies the 5-10-5 architecture, and distinguishes itself from sibling tools like siRNA or CRISPR design tools by focusing on antisense oligonucleotides and explicitly mentioning no transcriptome-wide off-target search.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description gives clear context for when to use this tool (for ASO gapmer design) and mentions a key limitation (no transcriptome-wide off-target search), implying alternative tools might be needed for that. However, it does not explicitly name alternatives or state when not to use it.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
base_editing_designBase Editing DesignerARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Design cytosine (CBE, C→T) or adenine (ABE, A→G) base-editing gRNAs for an SpCas9 target: for each NGG gRNA it reports every editable base inside the editor's activity window, flags bystander edits (more than one editable base in the window), and — with a CDS reading frame — classifies each edit's amino-acid consequence (silent / missense / nonsense / stop-loss). Bystander-free guides are ranked first. Handles both strands (a C→T on the protospacer of a reverse-strand guide is reported as the forward-strand G→A).
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| editor | No | Base editor: be3/be4max (CBE, C→T) or abe7.10/abe8e (ABE, A→G). | be4max |
| target | Yes | Nucleotide sequence (raw or FASTA; IUPAC accepted). | |
| frameStart | No | Optional 1-based CDS reading-frame start, to classify each edit's amino-acid consequence. | |
| targetPosition | No | Optional 1-based forward-strand position of the base you intend to edit; only guides whose window covers it are returned. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
The description adds behavioral details beyond annotations (readOnlyHint=true): it explains strand handling, reporting of forward-strand changes for reverse guides, and classification of edits. Annotations already indicate safety, so the additional context is valuable. It lacks details on output format or pagination but is sufficient.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single paragraph that is front-loaded with the main purpose and contains no fluff. It is slightly long but every sentence adds value. It could be slightly more structured (e.g., bullet points) but remains clear and efficient.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no output schema, the description fully explains what the tool returns: reported editable bases, bystander flags, amino-acid consequences, and ranking of bystander-free guides. It covers strands and editing types completely. No gaps are present.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
With 100% schema coverage, the description still adds significant meaning: explaining what edible bases are, what bystander edits mean, and how frameStart affects amino-acid classification. This goes beyond the schema descriptions, providing critical context for proper parameter usage.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool designs cytosine (CBE, C→T) or adenine (ABE, A→G) base-editing gRNAs for SpCas9 targets, reports editable bases, flags bystander edits, and classifies amino-acid consequences. It distinguishes itself from sibling tools like crispr_grna_design and prime_editing_design by specifying the base editing context.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage for base editing design and differentiates from siblings by naming specific editors (CBE, ABE). However, it does not explicitly state when not to use this tool or provide alternatives, leaving some inference to the agent.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
batchBatch (one tool over many records)ARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Run one SeqBench tool over many records at once. input is multi-FASTA or one sequence per line; tool is any batchable tool name; args are shared arguments. Returns a table of per-record results.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| args | No | Shared arguments applied to every record. | |
| tool | Yes | Batchable tool name (e.g. gc_content, translate). | |
| input | Yes | Multi-FASTA or one sequence per line. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and idempotentHint=true, so the description does not need to reiterate safety. It adds context about batch execution and return format but lacks details on error handling or limits. With annotations, this is adequate.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences, front-loaded with core action, and every sentence adds value. No wasted words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Despite no output schema, the description mentions return format ('a table of per-record results'). Combined with annotations and schema, this is complete for an agent to select and invoke the tool correctly.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3. The description adds meaning beyond schema labels by explaining 'input' as multi-FASTA or one per line, 'tool' as any batchable tool name, and 'args' as shared arguments. This helps the agent understand parameter semantics.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the verb 'run' and the resource 'one SeqBench tool over many records at once'. It distinguishes from sibling tools, which are individual sequence analysis tools, making this a meta-tool for batching.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage for applying a tool to multiple sequences, but does not explicitly state when not to use it or mention alternatives. However, given the context and sibling tools, the purpose is clear enough for an agent to decide.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
characterize_sequenceCharacterize sequenceARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
One-paste 'tell me everything': auto-detects DNA/RNA/protein, then reports composition, ORFs, single-cutter enzymes, end primers or protein properties, plus a BLAST link.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| maxOrfs | No | Maximum number of ORFs to return, longest first. | |
| minOrfAa | No | Minimum ORF length in amino acids (nucleotide input only). | |
| sequence | Yes | Nucleotide sequence (raw or FASTA; IUPAC accepted). | |
| endPrimerLength | No | Length of the naive end primers taken from each end. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already indicate readOnlyHint and idempotentHint. The description adds behavioral context by listing the types of analyses performed (composition, ORFs, enzymes, etc.), which helps the agent understand the scope. No contradictions with annotations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, concise sentence that front-loads the key purpose and lists the outputs efficiently. No unnecessary words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's complexity (multiple analysis types), the description covers the main outputs. However, it does not mention the output format or any caveats (e.g., optional parameters). Annotations and schema cover safety and parameter details, so overall completeness is good but not perfect.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, so the parameter meanings are well-documented in the schema. The description adds no additional parameter semantics beyond what is in the schema, so baseline score is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states that the tool auto-detects sequence type and provides a comprehensive characterization including composition, ORFs, enzymes, primers, protein properties, and a BLAST link. This effectively differentiates it from siblings that focus on specific aspects like find_orfs or protein_properties.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies the tool is for comprehensive analysis ('One-paste tell me everything'), but does not explicitly state when to use it versus alternatives or when not to use it. Sibling tools provide context, but the description lacks direct guidance.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
cloning_simulateCloning simulatorARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Assemble fragments by Gibson/overlap, Golden Gate (Type IIS) or restriction–ligation, returning the product and junction primers.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| names | No | Optional labels for each fragment. | |
| enzyme | No | Type IIS enzyme for Golden Gate (e.g. BsaI, BbsI, Esp3I (BsmBI)). | BsaI |
| insert | No | Insert sequence (restriction method). | |
| method | Yes | Assembly method. | gibson |
| vector | No | Vector sequence (restriction method). | |
| enzyme3 | No | Insert 3′ enzyme (restriction method). | BamHI |
| enzyme5 | No | Insert 5′ enzyme (restriction method). | EcoRI |
| circular | No | Produce a circular product. | |
| topoMode | No | TOPO chemistry (topo method): TA (Taq 3′-A), blunt, or directional (pENTR/D-TOPO, needs 5′-CACC on the insert). | ta |
| fragments | No | Fragments (5′→3′), assembled head-to-tail. Used by gibson/goldengate. | |
| overlapLen | No | Gibson homology-arm length (bp). | |
| armTmTarget | No | Target annealing Tm (°C) for primer arms. | |
| vectorEnzyme3 | No | Vector 3′ enzyme (restriction method); defaults to enzyme3. | |
| vectorEnzyme5 | No | Vector 5′ enzyme (restriction method); defaults to enzyme5. Set a different, compatible enzyme (e.g. BglII for a BamHI insert) to model heterologous-overhang cloning. | |
| dephosphorylateVector | No | CIP/rSAP-dephosphorylate the vector to suppress self-ligation background (restriction method). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and idempotentHint=true, indicating no side effects. The description adds that the tool returns the product and junction primers, which is useful but does not elaborate on the return format or any potential limitations. With annotations covering safety, the description provides adequate additional context.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single sentence that immediately conveys the core functionality, output, and supported methods. It is front-loaded and contains no unnecessary words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the complexity (15 parameters) and lack of output schema, the description provides a basic understanding but does not elaborate on the output format (e.g., what the 'product' is) or how multiple methods compare. It is minimally complete but could benefit from additional context.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, so each parameter is already well-documented in the input schema. The tool description does not add any parameter-specific information beyond what the schema provides. Baseline 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool assembles fragments using Gibson/overlap, Golden Gate (Type IIS), or restriction–ligation methods, and returns the product and junction primers. It specifies the verb 'assemble' and the resource 'fragments', and distinguishes the tool from siblings like 'golden_gate_fidelity' by covering multiple assembly methods.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description does not provide any guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives, such as when to choose a specific assembly method or how it compares to other cloning-related tools like 'golden_gate_fidelity' or 'in_silico_pcr'. No exclusion criteria or context for selection is mentioned.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
codon_adaptation_indexCAI analyserBRead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Codon Adaptation Index (CAI) and per-codon relative adaptiveness of a CDS against an expression host, with rare-codon and GC3 analysis.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| organism | No | ecoli | |
| sequence | Yes | Coding sequence (DNA/RNA; should start in-frame at ATG). | |
| frameStart | No | 1-based position to start reading codons. | |
| rareThreshold | No | Relative adaptiveness (w) below this flags a codon as rare. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and idempotentHint=true, so the description does not need to restate these. The description adds context about the analysis outputs (CAI, adaptiveness, rare-codon, GC3) but does not disclose any unexpected behaviors, side effects, or limitations beyond what annotations provide.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single well-formed sentence that efficiently conveys the tool's purpose without redundancy. Every word contributes to meaning, making it easy to scan and understand quickly.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The tool has moderate complexity (4 parameters, no output schema), but the description does not explain what the tool returns (e.g., numerical values, plots, or a report). It omits details about output format, error conditions, or required input validation, leaving the agent to infer behavior.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 75%, and the schema itself provides clear descriptions for all parameters (e.g., sequence: 'should start in-frame at ATG'). The description adds no new meaning beyond listing the analysis components, so it meets the baseline but does not enhance parameter understanding.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description explicitly states that the tool computes Codon Adaptation Index and per-codon relative adaptiveness for a coding sequence against an expression host, including rare-codon and GC3 analysis. This clearly identifies the tool's specific function and distinguishes it from sibling tools like codon_optimize and gc_content.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives (e.g., codon_optimize for modification, gc_content for simple GC). It does not mention exclusions or prerequisites, such as requiring a valid coding sequence starting with ATG.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
codon_optimizeCodon optimiserARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Codon-optimise a protein (or coding DNA) for an expression host by picking the most-frequent codon per residue.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| protein | Yes | Protein sequence (one-letter codes). Coding DNA/RNA is accepted and translated (frame +1) first. | |
| organism | No | ecoli |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
The description adds that it 'picks the most-frequent codon per residue' and accepts DNA/RNA (translated first) via the parameter description. Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and idempotentHint=true, so the safety profile is clear. However, limitations (e.g., tie-breaking, rare codons) are not disclosed, and the parameter description bears the burden of explaining DNA translation.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single 18-word sentence that conveys the core functionality without any extraneous information. Every word earns its place.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple, read-only, idempotent tool with no output schema, the description covers the main purpose, heuristic, and host concept. It does not explicitly state output format but that is inferable. Slightly incomplete regarding edge cases, but overall adequate.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema has 2 parameters with 50% description coverage (protein has a detailed schema description, organism just an enum). The main description adds the context of 'expression host' for organism but does not elaborate on parameter details beyond what the schema provides. Baseline 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the verb 'codon-optimise' and the resource 'protein (or coding DNA)' for an expression host using a specific heuristic (most-frequent codon per residue). It distinguishes from siblings like reverse_translate or codon_adaptation_index by specifying the optimization strategy.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage when optimizing for an expression host but does not explicitly state when not to use it or mention alternative tools. For example, it doesn't indicate that reverse_translate might be used for a non-optimized back-translation.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
construct_autofixConstruct auto-fix (domestication)BRead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Iteratively substitutes synonymous codons to resolve unwanted restriction sites (domestication for Golden Gate), homopolymers, tandem repeats, predicted secondary structure, cryptic RBS/polyA motifs and hidden alternate-frame ORFs that construct_qc flags — without changing the encoded protein (verified). Does NOT touch premature stops or GC extremes; re-run construct_qc afterward to confirm. A native TypeScript alternative to a constraint-solver sidecar.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| gcLow | No | ||
| gcHigh | No | ||
| gcWindow | No | ||
| organism | No | Codon-usage table to prefer among synonymous options. | ecoli |
| sequence | Yes | Nucleotide sequence (raw or FASTA; IUPAC accepted). | |
| maxPasses | No | Repeat full passes until clean or no further progress. | |
| frameStart | No | 1-based nucleotide where the reading frame begins. | |
| avoidEnzymes | No | Enzyme names whose internal sites should be removed (e.g. ["BsaI","BsmBI"] for Golden Gate domestication). | |
| homopolymerMin | No | ||
| crypticOrfMinAa | No | Minimum peptide length (aa) for a hidden alternate-frame ORF to be flagged. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
The description contradicts the annotation readOnlyHint=true because the tool clearly modifies the sequence (substitutes codons). According to the rule, a score of 1 is given when description contradicts annotations. The description itself is transparent, but the contradiction undermines trust.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is extremely concise with four sentences covering purpose, scope, limitations, and context. Every sentence earns its place with no redundancy.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the complexity (10 parameters, no output schema) and the annotations with contradictions, the description covers the main purpose and limitations but lacks details on output format, error cases, and parameter interplay. It is minimally adequate but leaves gaps.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 60%, but the tool description adds no additional information about the 10 parameters. The description does not explain parameter roles, defaults, or interactions beyond what is in the schema, so it fails to add value.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool iteratively substitutes synonymous codons to resolve unwanted restriction sites and other issues flagged by construct_qc, without changing the encoded protein. It distinguishes itself from sibling tools like construct_qc and codon_optimize by focusing on fix-ups after QC.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explicitly advises to re-run construct_qc afterward, implies it should be used after construct_qc detects problems, and states what it does NOT touch (premature stops, GC extremes). This provides clear when-to-use and when-not-to-use guidance.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
construct_qcConstruct QC linterARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Lint a coding DNA sequence for premature stops, internal RBS/polyA motifs, unwanted restriction sites, GC extremes and repeats.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| gcLow | No | GC% below this flags an AT-rich window. | |
| gcHigh | No | GC% above this flags a GC-rich window. | |
| gcWindow | No | Sliding-window size (nt) for GC-extreme scanning. | |
| sequence | Yes | Nucleotide sequence (raw or FASTA; IUPAC accepted). | |
| frameStart | No | 1-based nucleotide where the reading frame begins. | |
| avoidEnzymes | No | Enzyme names whose internal sites should be flagged as errors. | |
| homopolymerMin | No | Minimum run length to flag a homopolymer. | |
| crypticOrfMinAa | No | Minimum peptide length (aa) for a hidden alternate-frame ORF to be flagged. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint and idempotentHint, so the description's value is limited. It lists the types of checks performed but doesn't disclose additional behaviors such as performance on long sequences or whether it only analyzes the provided reading frame.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single concise sentence that effectively communicates the tool's purpose without verbosity. Every word adds value.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no output schema, the description does not explain what the linter returns (e.g., a report, warnings, or errors). This missing information could hinder an agent from understanding the tool's output format. Additional context about the output would improve completeness.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with well-described parameters. The description adds no extra meaning beyond listing the categories of checks. Baseline 3 is appropriate as the schema carries the semantic load.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool lints a coding DNA sequence and lists specific checks (premature stops, RBS/polyA motifs, restriction sites, GC extremes, repeats). It distinguishes from siblings like 'find_orfs' or 'restriction_sites' by being a comprehensive linter.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
While the description implies use for quality-checking DNA constructs before cloning, it lacks explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives like 'construct_autofix' or 'verify_construct'. No when-not-to-use or prerequisites are mentioned.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
crispr_grna_designCRISPR gRNA designerBRead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Find and score candidate guide RNAs (protospacer + PAM) in a target DNA for common nucleases (SpCas9, SpCas9-NG, SaCas9, Cas12a).
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| minScore | No | Only return guides with a heuristic score at least this high (0–100). | |
| nuclease | No | Nuclease id. Omit to just list the available nucleases (no scan is performed). | spcas9 |
| sequence | Yes | Nucleotide sequence (raw or FASTA; IUPAC accepted). | |
| searchReverseStrand | No | Also scan the reverse strand for guides. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint and idempotentHint, establishing a safe, read-only behavior. The description adds a useful behavioral detail: omitting the 'nuclease' parameter lists available nucleases without scanning. However, it does not disclose other traits like computational cost or output volume, which would be valuable beyond the annotations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single sentence of 178 characters, front-loading the purpose without any wasted words. Every part contributes meaning, making it highly efficient. It is concise yet informative.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool has 4 parameters, 100% schema coverage, and no output schema, the description fails to mention the structure or format of the returned results. It only says 'find and score', leaving the agent unsure about the output (e.g., list of guides with scores, positions, etc.). This gap is significant for a tool with no output schema.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, so the baseline is 3. The description adds some context by linking the 'sequence' parameter to 'target DNA' and 'nuclease' to 'common nucleases', but does not provide extra meaning beyond the schema. For example, 'minScore' and 'searchReverseStrand' are already well-described in the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool finds and scores candidate guide RNAs for common nucleases, specifying the verb 'find and score', the resource 'guide RNAs', and the context 'in a target DNA for common nucleases'. It effectively distinguishes from sibling CRISPR tools like crispr_offtarget_check and crispr_hdr_donor.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No explicit guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives. The description does not mention exclusions, prerequisites, or which sibling tools to use for related tasks (e.g., off-target checking or donor design). The agent must infer usage from the tool's name and sibling list.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
crispr_hdr_donorHDR donor designerARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Build an HDR donor (homology arms flanking an edit) from a target sequence and either an explicit edit window (editStart/editEnd) or a guide's cut site (guideStart/guideEnd/guideStrand/nuclease — SpCas9-family only; Cas12a's staggered cut needs an explicit editStart/editEnd). Also designs genotyping primers spanning the edit site on the original sequence (a real size-shift or sequencing target to confirm the edit), reusing the same primer-design engine as primer_design.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| editEnd | No | 1-based inclusive end of the region being replaced; editEnd = editStart-1 denotes a pure insertion with nothing removed. Omit to derive from the guide's cut site. | |
| blockPam | No | When a SpCas9-family guide is supplied and the edit does not already disrupt its PAM, fold a PAM-blocking mutation (silent when a CDS frame is given) into the donor so the edited allele can't be re-cut. | |
| guideEnd | No | 1-based forward-strand end of the guide's protospacer. | |
| nuclease | No | Needed only when deriving the cut site from guideStart/guideEnd/guideStrand. | spcas9 |
| armLength | No | Homology arm length (bp) on each side. Use ~30–60 for an ssODN donor, ~500–1000 for a dsDNA donor plasmid. | |
| editStart | No | 1-based start of the region being replaced. Omit to derive from guideStart/guideEnd/guideStrand instead. | |
| frameStart | No | Optional 1-based CDS reading-frame start; makes the PAM-blocking mutation synonymous where possible. | |
| guideStart | No | 1-based forward-strand start of the guide's protospacer (alternative to editStart/editEnd, for an insertion exactly at the cut site). | |
| guideStrand | No | Strand the guide's protospacer is on. | |
| replacement | Yes | Sequence to insert/substitute ("" for a pure deletion). | |
| targetSequence | Yes | Nucleotide sequence (raw or FASTA; IUPAC accepted). | |
| designGenotypingPrimers | No | Also design a primer pair (on the original targetSequence) whose product spans the edit site. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and idempotentHint=true, establishing safety. The description adds meaningful context: it reuses primer_design engine, auto-designs genotyping primers, and handles PAM disruption. No contradictions with annotations. Additional detail about 'real size-shift or sequencing target' adds transparency.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single paragraph of about 4 sentences, front-loaded with the core purpose. Every sentence contributes necessary information without redundancy. It efficiently covers modes, nuclease constraints, and secondary functionality (genotyping primers).
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The description explains inputs and high-level outputs but does not specify the exact return format (e.g., what sequences or primer pairs are returned). Since there is no output schema, this information is needed for the agent to understand how to use the result. Otherwise, it covers the main use cases and parameter interactions.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3. The description adds value beyond the schema by grouping parameters into two modes (edit window vs guide cut) and explaining edge cases like Cas12a requiring explicit edit window. It also clarifies the purpose of blockPam and frameStart in the context of PAM disruption.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool builds an HDR donor with homology arms flanking an edit. It specifies two modes: explicit edit window or guide cut site, and mentions it designs genotyping primers. It distinguishes from sibling tools like primer_design by noting it reuses its engine, and covers nuclease-specific constraints (Cas12a needs explicit window). No ambiguity.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides clear guidance on when to use explicit editStart/editEnd versus guide parameters, especially for Cas12a. It also explains PAM-blocking behavior. However, it does not explicitly compare to other design tools like prime_editing_design or base_editing_design, leaving the decision to the agent's broader context.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
crispr_offtarget_checkCRISPR guide off-target checkARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Screen a guide's protospacer for off-target sites (protospacer match + valid PAM, both strands) against a small curated set of common lab reference genomes (see genomesChecked) — NOT a whole human/mouse genome search. Use this the same way primer_specificity is used: a useful sanity check within the covered organisms, not a clearance guarantee for a mammalian expression host.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| nuclease | No | Nuclease id — determines the PAM pattern/side required at each candidate site. | spcas9 |
| protospacer | Yes | The guide's protospacer sequence, 5'→3' (no PAM). | |
| maxMismatches | No | Mismatches tolerated between the protospacer and a candidate genomic site. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and idempotentHint=true, establishing safety and idempotency. The description adds transparency by detailing that it checks both strands and is limited to a curated set of genomes, which is beyond what annotations cover.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences, efficiently conveying purpose and usage guidance. It is front-loaded with the core function and constraints, with no extraneous words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the presence of annotations (readOnly, idempotent) and full schema coverage, the description is sufficiently complete. It covers the critical limitation of genome scope and provides usage comparison, making it comprehensive for selecting and using the tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, so the input schema already documents all three parameters. The description does not add significant meaning beyond the schema; it mentions 'protospacer' and 'valid PAM' but does not clarify format or constraints beyond what is in the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's purpose: screening a guide's protospacer for off-target sites against a small curated set of genomes, with explicit distinction from a full genome search. It differentiates from sibling tools like crispr_grna_design and primer_specificity by specifying the limited scope.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explicitly provides usage context: 'Use this the same way primer_specificity is used: a useful sanity check within the covered organisms, not a clearance guarantee for a mammalian expression host.' This clearly indicates when to use and when not to rely on it.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
cross_dimerCross-DimerARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Screen two oligos for the most stable heterodimer (cross-dimer) between them.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| sequenceA | Yes | First oligo (5'→3'). | |
| sequenceB | Yes | Second oligo (5'→3'). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations indicate read-only and idempotent, but description does not explain what the output or behavior is (e.g., returns stability score, temperature). Without output schema, more detail needed.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Single sentence, front-loaded, no redundancy.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Tool is simple with 2 params fully covered, annotations present. Lacks output description, but sufficient for basic understanding.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage 100% with descriptions 'First oligo (5'→3')' and 'Second oligo (5'→3')'. Description adds no extra meaning beyond schema, but baseline is adequate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Clear verb 'Screen' and resource 'two oligos' with specific purpose 'most stable heterodimer'. Distinct from sibling tools like 'primer_design' or 'oligo_analysis'.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No explicit guidance on when to use vs alternatives. Implied by name and context, but missing when not to use or examples.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
dna_molarityDNA molarity calculatorARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Nucleic-acid quantity conversions: molar mass, amount (pmol/nmol), molar and mass concentration, and copy number, from mass ± volume and either a length or a sequence.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| type | No | Molecule type. | dsDNA |
| length | No | Length in bp (dsDNA) or nt (ssDNA/ssRNA). Ignored when a sequence is given. | |
| massNg | No | Mass in nanograms. | |
| sequence | No | Optional sequence — overrides length and gives an exact molar mass from base composition. | |
| volumeUl | No | Volume in microlitres (0 = unknown; needed for concentration). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
The description reveals the tool produces multiple computed values (molar mass, amount, concentration, copy number) which are not captured in annotations or schema. It also clarifies the relationship between inputs (mass ± volume, length or sequence). Annotations already indicate read-only and idempotent behavior, so the description adds valuable output context without contradiction.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, front-loaded sentence that conveys the complete purpose and key input-output relationships without unnecessary words. Every part of the sentence adds value, making it highly efficient.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Despite lacking an output schema, the description enumerates the computed quantities (molar mass, amount, concentration, copy number) and specifies inputs and prerequisites. Combined with full parameter descriptions in the schema and safety annotations, the tool is fully comprehensible for an AI agent.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema has 100% description coverage, fully documenting each parameter. The description recaps input types but adds no additional semantics beyond what the schema already provides (e.g., defaults, relationships). The phrase 'from mass ± volume and either a length or a sequence' succinctly summarizes inputs but does not enhance parameter understanding.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool performs nucleic-acid quantity conversions including molar mass, amount, concentration, and copy number. It specifies input requirements (mass, volume, length/sequence) and output types, making the purpose unambiguous and distinct from all listed sibling tools which focus on design, analysis, or sequence manipulation.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage when molarity/concentration conversions are needed but does not explicitly state when to use or avoid this tool relative to alternatives. No exclusions or comparisons are provided, though the specificity of the function makes the context clear.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
double_digestDouble digest bufferARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Recommend a single NEB buffer (and flag caveats) for digesting with two enzymes in one tube.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| enzymeA | Yes | First enzyme name (e.g. EcoRI). | |
| enzymeB | Yes | Second enzyme name (e.g. BamHI). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint and idempotentHint as true, indicating safe, idempotent operation. The description adds behavioral context by mentioning 'flag caveats', which warns about potential issues (e.g., incompatibility). No contradiction with annotations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single sentence that captures the full purpose, including both the primary action and a note about caveats. Every word earns its place; no unnecessary information.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's simplicity (no output schema, two string parameters), the description fully conveys what the tool does and what it returns (a recommendation with caveats). No missing information for an agent to invoke it correctly.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Input schema coverage is 100% with descriptions for both parameters ('First enzyme name' and 'Second enzyme name'). The description does not add additional meaning beyond the schema, so baseline of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description uses a specific verb ('Recommend') and resource ('a single NEB buffer') with clear context ('digesting with two enzymes in one tube'). It uniquely identifies the tool among siblings like 'restriction_sites' which deals with site mapping, not buffer selection.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description clearly implies when to use: when performing a double digest with two enzymes needing a buffer recommendation. No explicit when-not or alternatives are provided, but the narrow scope makes it distinct from siblings, and the context is clear enough for an agent to infer usage.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
export_echo_picklistEcho picklist exportARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Generate a downloadable Beckman/Labcyte Echo acoustic-liquid-handler picklist CSV (columns: Source Plate Name, Source Plate Type, Source Well, Destination Plate Name, Destination Well, Transfer Volume, Name — the header row reproduced from PyEcho, a real open-source Echo-picklist generator) for the given PCR reactions, at the same well positions export_plate_layout assigns. Assumes a 5 uL Echo-scale PCR reaction (master mix 2500 nL, each primer 250 nL, template 250 nL, water 1750 nL) — a commonly used acoustic-dispensing miniaturization scale, not a universal standard; rescale the volumes for your own protocol. Source/Destination Plate Type uses a placeholder Echo plate-type code (384PP_AQ_BP) — replace with the exact type from your own Echo Plate Type Library.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| reactions | Yes | One entry per PCR reaction, up to 96 (a single 96-well plate). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already indicate readOnly and idempotent. The description adds transparency about the output format (CSV, columns), assumptions (5 uL scale), and limitations (placeholder plate type). No contradictions with annotations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Front-loaded with the core function in the first sentence, followed by necessary assumptions and caveats. Slightly verbose but well-structured. Every sentence adds value; no redundancy.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no output schema, the description fully explains the output format (CSV columns) and includes all relevant context: purpose, assumptions, limitations, and needed modifications. Complete for a generation/export tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with descriptions for each field. The description adds meaningful context by explaining the assumed reaction volumes (5 uL scale) and that the user should rescale for their protocol, which informs parameter usage beyond schema definitions.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Clearly states the tool generates a downloadable CSV picklist for Echo liquid handler, specifies exact columns, and distinguishes from sibling tools by mentioning 'at same well positions export_plate_layout assigns'. The verb 'generate' and resource 'Echo picklist CSV' are specific and unambiguous.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Provides guidance on when to use (for PCR reactions) and includes caveats to rescale volumes and replace placeholder plate type. However, it does not explicitly state when not to use or name alternative tools beyond export_plate_layout. The context is present but lacks explicit exclusions.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
export_opentrons_protocolOpentrons protocol exportARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Generate a downloadable Opentrons Python Protocol API (v2, OT-2) script that sets up the given PCR reactions on a 96-well PCR plate, at the same well positions export_plate_layout assigns. Uses real Opentrons labware/pipette API names confirmed against docs.opentrons.com and the Opentrons shared-data labware-definitions repository (opentrons_96_wellplate_200ul_pcr_full_skirt, opentrons_96_tiprack_20ul, opentrons_24_tuberack_nest_1.5ml_snapcap, nest_12_reservoir_15ml, p20_single_gen2) and the confirmed load_labware/load_instrument/transfer method signatures. Master-mix/primer/template/water volumes are clearly-labeled placeholder constants at the top of the script — this is a starting point to review and adapt for your own enzyme and instrument, not a certified ready-to-run protocol.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| reactions | Yes | One entry per PCR reaction, up to 96 (a single 96-well plate). | |
| protocolName | No | Optional protocol name (used in the script's metadata). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations indicate readOnlyHint and idempotentHint; the description adds context that the output is a downloadable script with placeholder volumes and labware names, needing review. It does not contradict annotations and provides useful behavioral context.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is detailed but front-loads the purpose. It is not overly long; each sentence adds value. Could be slightly more concise, but effectively structured.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no output schema, the description adequately explains what the tool generates and its nature (starting point, not certified), referencing related tools. It covers the usage scenario sufficiently.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, but the description adds meaning by noting that master-mix volumes are placeholder constants and that the script uses confirmed labware/pipette API names, enhancing understanding beyond schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description uses specific verb 'Generate' and resource 'downloadable Opentrons Python Protocol API script', clearly stating the tool's function. It distinguishes itself from the sibling 'export_plate_layout' by referencing well positions from that tool.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage for setting up PCR reactions on a 96-well plate and mentions the script is a starting point, but does not explicitly state when to use vs alternatives (e.g., other export tools) or provide exclusions.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
export_plate_layoutPCR plate layoutARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Assign a set of PCR reactions (name + forward/reverse primer + optional template label) to wells on a 96-well plate, row-major (A1, A2, … A12, then B1, B2, … up to H12). Returns the well-assignment data for rendering a plate diagram; export_opentrons_protocol and export_echo_picklist build their downloadable files from this exact same layout, so all three always agree.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| reactions | Yes | One entry per PCR reaction, up to 96 (a single 96-well plate). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and idempotentHint=true, indicating safe, idempotent operation. The description adds behavioral details: row-major well assignment and the fact that the layout is shared with export tools, ensuring agreement. No contradictions with annotations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences long, front-loads the core purpose, and adds necessary context about sibling tools. Every sentence contributes value without redundancy.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool has one parameter, no output schema, and good annotations, the description adequately covers what the tool does, its input constraints, and its relationship to sibling tools. It could be improved by mentioning error conditions or further behavior details, but it is largely complete for an agent to select and invoke.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, and the schema already describes the 'reactions' array and its properties. The description reiterates the fields (name, forward, reverse, template) but adds no new semantic detail beyond the schema. The row-major ordering pertains to output, not parameter semantics.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool assigns PCR reactions to a 96-well plate in row-major order and returns well-assignment data for a plate diagram. It distinguishes itself from related tools by mentioning that export_opentrons_protocol and export_echo_picklist use the same layout, ensuring consistency.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies when to use this tool (for plate layout and diagram rendering) versus the sibling export tools (for file creation), but it does not explicitly state exclusion conditions or provide definitive guidance on tool selection. The mention of sibling agreement helps, but could be more direct.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
expression_heatmap_clusterExpression heatmap clusteringARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Hierarchically cluster a genes x samples expression matrix (UPGMA/average, complete, or single linkage; Euclidean or correlation distance) and return the row/column leaf order, dendrogram merge trees, and row-z-scored values for the Clustered Expression Heatmap visualization.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| genes | Yes | Row (gene) labels. | |
| values | Yes | genes x samples numeric matrix — one row per gene, in the same order as `genes`. | |
| linkage | No | average = UPGMA (standard default), complete = farthest-neighbor, single = nearest-neighbor. | average |
| samples | Yes | Column (sample) labels. | |
| zScoreRows | No | Row-wise z-score each gene's values before returning (the conventional 'relative expression' heatmap normalization). | |
| clusterCols | No | Cluster (reorder) samples. | |
| clusterRows | No | Cluster (reorder) genes. | |
| distanceMetric | No | correlation = 1 - Pearson r (the standard expression-heatmap default); euclidean = straight-line distance. | correlation |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations provide readOnlyHint and idempotentHint, and the description adds significant behavioral details: the clustering algorithms (UPGMA, complete, single), distance metrics (euclidean, correlation), row-wise z-scoring, and output structure. This goes beyond what annotations convey.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, dense sentence that efficiently packs the core functionality, algorithmic options, and outputs. No unnecessary words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a tool with 8 parameters and no output schema, the description explains the return structure (leaf order, dendrogram, z-scored values) and algorithmic options. It covers the essential context for an AI agent to invoke the tool correctly.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, so all parameters are already described. The description does not add extra semantic meaning beyond the schema, but the schema descriptions are thorough. Baseline 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the verb ('hierarchically cluster'), the resource ('genes x samples expression matrix'), and the specific outputs (leaf order, dendrogram merge trees, z-scored values). It distinguishes itself from sibling tools like 'gene_expression' by focusing on clustering and visualization output.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explains what the tool does but does not provide explicit guidance on when to use it versus alternatives, such as when clustering is needed for heatmap visualization vs. other tools. The context of clustering for heatmap is clear, but no when-not or alternative tool is mentioned.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
fastq_qc_reportFASTQ Deep QC ReportARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
FastQC-style deep quality-control report for a FASTQ file: per-base quality and content, GC and length distributions, sequence duplication levels, overrepresented sequences, and adapter content — each with a warn/fail verdict against FastQC's own published thresholds.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| input | Yes | FASTQ text: records of an '@id' header, sequence, '+' separator and quality line (four lines each). | |
| qualityOffset | No | FASTQ Phred ASCII offset (33 = Sanger/Illumina 1.8+, 64 = Illumina 1.3-1.7). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already provide readOnlyHint=true and idempotentHint=true, so the tool's safety is clear. The description adds detail on the report contents (e.g., per-base quality, GC content) but does not reveal additional behavioral traits like output format or potential limitations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, well-structured sentence that front-loads key information about the tool's purpose and components. No redundant words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Despite no output schema, the description does not specify the output format (JSON, text, etc.) or provide details on return structure. For a complex tool generating multiple QC modules, this omission leaves the agent uncertain about what to expect.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Input schema has 2 parameters with 100% description coverage, so the schema already documents them. The description adds no extra meaning beyond the schema, meeting the baseline of 3.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly identifies the tool as a FastQC-style deep QC report for FASTQ files, listing specific modules (per-base quality, GC distribution, etc.) and mention of warn/fail verdicts against FastQC thresholds. This distinguishes it from siblings like fastq_trim or seqfile_stats.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives like seqfile_stats for basic stats or fastq_trim for trimming. Usage context is implied by the tool's purpose, but no explicit when-to-use or when-not-to-use guidance is provided.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
fastq_trimFASTQ Adapter & Quality TrimmerARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Trim FASTQ reads: an ungapped sliding-suffix adapter match (against the same named Illumina adapters as the QC report) followed by a BWA-style 3' quality trim (the same algorithm Cutadapt's own -q option reuses), then drops reads below a minimum length. Returns the trimmed FASTQ plus before/after read-count, mean-length and mean-quality stats.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| input | Yes | FASTQ text: records of an '@id' header, sequence, '+' separator and quality line (four lines each). | |
| minLength | No | Reads shorter than this after trimming are dropped. | |
| qualityOffset | No | FASTQ Phred ASCII offset (33 = Sanger/Illumina 1.8+, 64 = Illumina 1.3-1.7). | |
| qualityThreshold | No | 3' quality-trim threshold (Phred score). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations indicate readOnlyHint=true and idempotentHint=true, and the description adds details about the trimming algorithms (ungapped sliding-suffix adapter match, BWA-style quality trim) and the outcome (drops short reads, returns stats). This adds value beyond annotations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single dense paragraph that efficiently states the purpose, algorithm, and output. It is appropriately sized and front-loaded, though could be slightly more concise.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's moderate complexity and absence of output schema, the description adequately covers purpose, algorithm, and return values (trimmed FASTQ plus stats). It lacks error conditions or input format verification, but schema covers input format.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3. The description mentions the minLength parameter implicitly by saying 'drops reads below a minimum length', but does not add significant meaning beyond what the schema already provides for each parameter.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it trims FASTQ reads with adapter and quality trimming, specifying the exact algorithm and returning trimmed FASTQ plus statistics. The verb 'trim' and resource 'FASTQ reads' are specific, and it distinguishes from sibling tools like fastq_qc_report which focuses on QC reporting.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implicitly defines usage for trimming FASTQ with adapter and quality trimming, but does not explicitly exclude other use cases or name alternative tools. It provides clear context but lacks exclusions.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
find_orfsORF FinderARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Find open reading frames (ATG…stop) across all six frames.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| sequence | Yes | Nucleotide sequence (raw or FASTA; IUPAC accepted). | |
| minAaLength | No | Minimum protein length (aa) to report. | |
| requireStop | No | Only report ORFs terminated by a stop codon. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and idempotentHint=true. Description adds minimal extra behavior disclosure beyond 'across all six frames'. No contradictions, but limited added value.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Single sentence, perfectly concise, and front-loaded with the action. No unnecessary words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given 3 well-documented parameters and no output schema, the description sufficiently states the core function. Could mention output format but not essential for basic use.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3. Description does not add meaning beyond schema; it does not elaborate on parameters like minAaLength or requireStop.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description uses specific verb 'Find' and resource 'open reading frames (ATG…stop)' with scope 'across all six frames'. This clearly distinguishes it from sibling tools like translate or motif_finder.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage for ORF detection but lacks explicit guidance on when not to use or alternatives (e.g., translate for simple translation). No exclusions or context provided.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
format_sequenceFormat SequenceARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Clean, case-fold, DNA↔RNA convert, reverse and line-wrap a sequence.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| width | No | Line-wrap width; 0 = single line. | |
| convert | No | DNA→RNA (T→U) or RNA→DNA (U→T). | none |
| reverse | No | Reverse the sequence (no complement). | |
| caseMode | No | keep | |
| sequence | Yes | Nucleotide sequence (raw or FASTA; IUPAC accepted). | |
| stripNonLetters | No | Remove digits, spaces and gaps (keep letters only). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint and idempotentHint true, so the description does not need to cover safety. It adds value by listing operations (cleaning, conversion, etc.) but does not disclose additional behavioral traits beyond what the schema provides.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single concise sentence that front-loads the key operations. It contains no wasted words, but could be slightly more structured for readability.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given 6 parameters, no output schema, and good annotations, the description adequately summarizes the tool's capabilities but does not mention the output format or any edge cases. It is minimally complete.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
With 83% schema description coverage, the schema already documents most parameters. The description summarizes the operations (clean, convert, reverse) that map to parameters, but does not add meaning beyond what is in the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's function: 'Clean, case-fold, DNA↔RNA convert, reverse and line-wrap a sequence.' It specifies the verb (format) and the resource (sequence), and lists distinct operations that differentiate it from siblings like reverse_complement or translate.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage but does not provide explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives or when not to use it. No exclusions or comparisons to sibling tools are given.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
functional_enrichmentFunctional enrichment (GO + Reactome)ARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Over-representation analysis: test which GO terms (biological process / molecular function / cellular component) and Reactome pathways are statistically enriched in a query gene list versus a background, using the hypergeometric test with Benjamini-Hochberg FDR correction across all tested terms. Uses bundled GO Consortium + Reactome reference data (human only). KEGG is not included (its license does not permit bundling gene sets).
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| genes | Yes | Query gene symbols (human, e.g. "TP53"). Case-insensitive. Capped at 5000. | |
| background | No | Custom background/universe gene symbols. If omitted, defaults to every gene present in the bundled GO+Reactome dataset (the 'only annotated genes' convention, as used by g:Profiler) rather than the whole genome. | |
| collections | No | Which term collections to test. Defaults to all four. | |
| maxTermSize | No | Skip terms/pathways with more than this many background genes (matches clusterProfiler's default). | |
| minTermSize | No | Skip terms/pathways with fewer than this many background genes. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Beyond annotations (readOnlyHint, idempotentHint), the description discloses the statistical method, multiple testing correction (Benjamini-Hochberg), reliance on bundled reference data (human only), and the default background convention. No contradictions with annotations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single paragraph of three sentences, front-loading the core purpose and method. Every sentence adds essential information without redundancy.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no output schema, the description could specify the output format more explicitly, but it adequately covers the method, data sources, parameter defaults, and limitations. The 100% schema coverage compensates, making the overall description complete enough for its complexity.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
With 100% schema coverage, the description still adds value by explaining the default background meaning (only annotated genes, like g:Profiler) and the default maxTermSize (matching clusterProfiler). This contextualizes parameter behavior beyond their schema descriptions.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description explicitly states it performs over-representation analysis for GO terms and Reactome pathways using the hypergeometric test with FDR correction. It clearly identifies the specific input (query gene list vs background) and output (enriched terms), distinguishing it from sibling tools like gene_expression or crispr_grna_design.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides clear guidance on when to use this tool (for enrichment of GO and Reactome terms) and explicitly notes that KEGG is excluded due to licensing, which helps manage expectations. It does not list alternative tools for KEGG enrichment, but the context is sufficient for an agent to decide.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
gc_contentGC ContentBRead-onlyIdempotentInspect
GC content, AT content and per-base composition of a sequence.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| sequence | Yes | Nucleotide sequence (raw or FASTA; IUPAC accepted). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint and idempotentHint, so no destructive behavior. The description adds that the tool returns composition metrics, which is useful but minimal. No mention of edge cases or format of output.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
A single sentence that efficiently communicates the tool's purpose with no unnecessary words. Front-loaded with key information.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple tool with one parameter and no output schema, the description is adequate but incomplete. It does not specify the output format (e.g., percentages, raw counts), which would help the agent interpret the result.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The schema has 100% coverage for the single parameter, which is well-described. The tool description adds meaning by specifying what is computed from the sequence, going beyond the input description.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool computes GC content, AT content, and per-base composition for a sequence. It gives specific outputs, distinguishing it from generic sequence tools, though it does not explicitly differentiate from siblings like 'characterize_sequence'.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. No when-to-use or when-not-to-use information is provided, leaving the agent without context for selection.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
gene_dossierGene/Target DossierARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
A gene/drug-target dossier fanned out to five independent sources in one call: Open Targets (function, tractability, top associated diseases), an NCBI/UniProt plain-English function summary, ChEMBL (known drugs and their mechanism/clinical phase, cross-referenced with indications), ClinicalTrials.gov (trials by gene/condition term), and Europe PMC (top cited papers). Each source fails independently — a down source returns null/empty for its own section rather than failing the whole call, and every failure is listed in "sourceErrors" rather than silently omitted.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| gene | Yes | A human gene symbol ("TP53") or Ensembl gene ID ("ENSG00000141510"). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already indicate read-only and idempotent behavior. The description adds critical detail: each source fails independently (null/empty for its section) and failures are listed in 'sourceErrors' rather than aborting the call. This goes well beyond annotation information.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single sentence structure broken into two sentences, packing a lot of detail. While it is somewhat long, every part is informative and front-loaded with the core function. Minor redundancy ('fanned out' and 'in one call') could be trimmed.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no output schema, the description adequately covers the expected result shape: per-source sections with potential null/empty, and a sourceErrors list. It names each source's contributions. However, it does not specify whether the output is flat or nested, which could be clarified further.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
There is only one parameter (gene) with 100% schema coverage in the description. The tool description adds no further parameter-level detail beyond what the schema provides, so a baseline score of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states that this tool generates a multi-source dossier for a gene/drug-target by aggregating from five distinct sources. It lists each source and what it provides (Open Targets, NCBI/UniProt, ChEMBL, ClinicalTrials.gov, Europe PMC). This distinguishes it from siblings like gene_expression or gene_model which focus on single aspects.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies 'in one call' for a comprehensive overview, but does not explicitly specify when to use this tool versus alternatives like web_search or individual source tools. There is no guidance on prerequisites or limitations, though the parameter description restricts to human genes.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
gene_expressionGene Expression FingerprintARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
A gene's tissue-expression fingerprint: per-tissue median TPM from GTEx (v8) and subcellular localization / RNA tissue-specificity / protein class from the Human Protein Atlas, in one call.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| gene | Yes | A human gene symbol ("TP53") or Ensembl gene ID ("ENSG00000141510"). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations indicate readOnlyHint=true and idempotentHint=true, so the tool is safe and idempotent. The description adds value by detailing the specific data sources (GTEx v8, Human Protein Atlas) and the types of data returned, providing useful context beyond what annotations alone convey. However, it does not mention rate limits or other constraints.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single efficient sentence that front-loads the key concept ('tissue-expression fingerprint'). It includes necessary detail without verbosity, though it could be slightly more concise by breaking the list of data types into separate points.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the complexity of returning multiple data types from two databases, the description adequately lists what is included. However, it does not describe the output format or how to interpret the fingerprint, leaving some gaps for an agent without an output schema.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The sole parameter 'gene' is described in the schema with examples of symbol or Ensembl ID. The tool description does not add additional meaning beyond the schema, as it only repeats the concept of a gene. Schema description coverage is 100%, so baseline 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool returns a 'gene's tissue-expression fingerprint' and lists specific data types (per-tissue median TPM, subcellular localization, RNA tissue-specificity, protein class) from GTEx and Human Protein Atlas. This distinctively identifies the resource and operation, differentiating it from sibling tools that cover sequence analysis, CRISPR design, etc.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies use when needing gene expression data but does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives or when not to use it. No exclusions or alternative tool names are provided, leaving the agent to infer the context from sibling names alone.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
gene_modelGene Model (Exon/CDS Structure)ARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
The real exon/UTR/CDS structure of a human gene's canonical transcript, fetched live from Ensembl (the same exon/CDS map the HGVS Converter tool uses) — for rendering an exon diagram.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| gene | Yes | A human gene symbol ("TP53") or Ensembl gene ID ("ENSG00000141510"). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already convey readOnlyHint=true and idempotentHint=true. The description adds valuable context: the data is fetched live from Ensembl, uses the canonical transcript, and mirrors the HGVS Converter tool's map. No contradictions, and the extra details help the agent understand behavior beyond annotations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, efficient sentence that conveys the core function and purpose without superfluous words. Every element earns its place.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given low complexity and good annotations, the description adequately explains what the tool does and its source. However, without an output schema, it lacks specifics about the returned data structure (e.g., coordinate lists), which could limit an agent's ability to use the output effectively.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The only parameter 'gene' is fully described in the schema (100% coverage). The tool description adds no additional meaning beyond the schema, so a baseline score of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it fetches the exon/UTR/CDS structure from Ensembl for a human gene's canonical transcript, with a specific purpose of rendering an exon diagram. It distinguishes from siblings by specifying the source (Ensembl) and transcript selection (canonical), but could more explicitly contrast with similar tools like gene_dossier.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description lacks explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. It mentions a use case (rendering an exon diagram) but does not provide exclusions, prerequisites, or compare with other tools from the sibling list.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
golden_gate_fidelityGolden Gate overhang fidelityARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Score a candidate set of 4-base Golden Gate/MoClo junction overhangs against real published T4-ligase ligation-count data: per-overhang specificity, the weakest link in the set, and any risky cross-reacting pairs. Optionally compare against a named published overhang set. This is SeqBench's own transparent scoring methodology — it does not reproduce NEB's/Potapov's own published aggregate fidelity percentages for named sets (their exact formula isn't disclosed anywhere accessible).
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| dataset | No | Which real ligation dataset to score against — generic T4 ligase, or an enzyme-specific one-pot dataset if that matches your actual digestion enzyme. | generic-t4-37c-1h |
| overhangs | Yes | The candidate 4-base overhangs for one assembly (e.g. ["GGAG","TACT","AATG"]). At least 2, no duplicates. | |
| riskThreshold | No | Flag a pair as risky when the cross-reaction is at least this fraction of that pair's own total signal. | |
| compareToNamedSet | No | Also score this published reference set (see namedSetsAvailable in the output) alongside your candidate set, for comparison. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations indicate read-only and idempotent behavior, and the description adds context about the transparent methodology and its limitations (not reproducing NEB's exact values). No contradictions. The description enhances understanding beyond the annotations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences long with no filler. The first sentence clearly states the main function and outputs, while the second clarifies limitations. Very efficient.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the complexity (multiple parameters, optional comparisons, no output schema), the description covers the essential workflow, inputs, and what the tool does not provide. It is sufficient for an agent to understand usage without needing the output schema.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with each parameter described well. The description does not add new meaning beyond the schema, but provides context for the overall scoring purpose. Baseline 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool scores candidate overhang sets against real ligation data, enumerates specific outputs (specificity, weakest link, risky pairs), and distinguishes itself from alternatives like NEB's undisclosed methodology. It is specific and sets clear boundaries.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description mentions optional comparison with named sets but does not explicitly cover when not to use the tool or offer direct alternatives. However, it does clarify what the tool does not do (reproduce NEB percentages), which helps guide appropriate use.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
hgvs_convertHGVS Variant Converter (c. <-> g. <-> p.)ARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Parse an HGVS "c." variant description (by gene symbol, RefSeq NM_, or Ensembl ENST accession), convert it to genomic (g.) coordinates via a real, live-fetched Ensembl exon/CDS map (transcripts resolved through the bundled MANE RefSeq<->Ensembl crosswalk), apply 3'-rule normalization to any del/dup/ins, and predict the protein (p.) effect where that is safely computable. Refuses cleanly — rather than guessing — for circular/mitochondrial genomes, RNA-level or protein-level input, uncertain/mosaic syntax, splice-junction-adjacent or inversion protein effects, and non-MANE/non-Ensembl transcripts.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| variant | Yes | A full HGVS "c." variant description: "<accession or gene symbol>:c.<edit>", e.g. "NM_000546.6:c.215C>G" or "TP53:c.215C>G". Substitution (">"), deletion ("del"), duplication ("dup"), insertion ("ins"), delins, and inversion ("inv") are supported. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Beyond annotations (readOnlyHint, idempotentHint), the description details internal processes (live Ensembl maps, MANE crosswalk, 3'-rule normalization) and refusal reasons, adding significant behavioral context. No contradiction with annotations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Every sentence is informative and earns its place. The description is well-structured with a clear purpose, detailed behavior, and explicit limitations, all without unnecessary verbosity.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's complexity and high parameter documentation, the description covers most aspects. However, it lacks explicit mention of the output structure (e.g., what fields are returned), which would enhance completeness for an output-schema-less tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The sole parameter 'variant' has full schema coverage, but the description adds crucial context: required format with examples, supported accessions and edit types, which goes beyond the schema definition.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it converts HGVS 'c.' descriptions to genomic coordinates and predicts protein effects. It specifies supported accessions (gene symbol, RefSeq, Ensembl) and edit types, distinguishing it from sibling tools like variant_annotate.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explicitly states when to use the tool and lists clear refusal cases (circular/mitochondrial genomes, RNA/protein input, uncertain syntax, etc.), providing excellent guidance on when not to use it.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
id_map_pollPoll a batch ID mapping jobARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Check a UniProt id-mapping job submitted via id_map_submit. Returns {status, ready:false} while still running; once FINISHED, also returns the mapped ids (normalized regardless of which target database was requested) and any ids that failed to map.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| jobId | Yes |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint and idempotentHint, indicating safe, idempotent polling. The description adds value by detailing the response format and a key behavioral trait: normalization of mapped ids regardless of target database. No contradictions with annotations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two efficient, front-loaded sentences. The first states purpose, the second details response lifecycle. No unnecessary words. Perfectly concise for the complexity.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple polling tool with one parameter and sufficient annotations, the description is complete. It explains the return value structure and a notable behavior (normalization). No output schema exists, but the description adequately covers what is returned.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
With schema description coverage at 0%, the description must clarify the parameter. It mentions 'job submitted via id_map_submit', implying the jobId comes from that submission. However, it does not specify format or constraints beyond what the schema provides (type string, required). It adds marginal meaning.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's purpose: checking a UniProt id-mapping job submitted via id_map_submit. It specifies the behavior (returns status while running, mapped ids and failed ids when finished), and distinguishes it from the submission tool id_map_submit. The verb 'Check' and resource are explicit.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explicitly ties usage to a prior id_map_submit call, providing clear context. It doesn't explicitly state when not to use the tool, but the complementary sibling relationship is evident. This is sufficient guidance for an AI agent.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
id_map_submitSubmit a batch gene/protein ID mapping jobARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Submit up to 1000 ids to UniProt's ID mapping service for a single confirmed-safe hop (e.g. Gene_Name -> UniProtKB-Swiss-Prot, or UniProtKB_AC-ID -> Ensembl/GeneID/RefSeq_Protein/Gene_Name). Returns a jobId immediately — poll it with id_map_poll.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Yes | Target id type. Supported single hops: Gene_Name/Ensembl/GeneID/RefSeq_Protein -> "UniProtKB-Swiss-Prot" (the only direct target for these), or "UniProtKB_AC-ID" -> Ensembl/GeneID/RefSeq_Protein/Gene_Name. Any other pair is rejected — chain two of these hops instead. | |
| ids | Yes | The ids to map, up to 1000 (e.g. gene symbols, UniProt accessions, Ensembl gene IDs, Entrez GeneIDs, or RefSeq protein accessions, depending on "from"). | |
| from | Yes | Source id type: "Gene_Name", "Ensembl", "GeneID", "RefSeq_Protein", or "UniProtKB_AC-ID". UniProt's mapping graph is hub-and-spoke — see the "to" note. | |
| taxId | No | NCBI taxonomy id to disambiguate a gene symbol (only used when from="Gene_Name"). Defaults to human (9606) if omitted. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already provide readOnlyHint and idempotentHint. The description adds value by specifying the 1000 ID limit and that it returns a jobId immediately, but does not add significant behavioral context beyond what annotations imply. No contradiction with annotations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two concise sentences, front-loaded with the core action and examples, and includes the important note about polling. No wasted words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a submission tool, the description is complete: it explains what it does, the limit, the return value (jobId), and how to get results (poll id_map_poll). The schema covers all parameter details, and the sibling tool for polling is referenced.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100% with very detailed parameter descriptions. The description adds some examples of valid hops but does not significantly enhance parameter understanding beyond the schema. Baseline of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool submits up to 1000 IDs to UniProt's ID mapping service for a single confirmed-safe hop, with concrete examples like Gene_Name -> UniProtKB-Swiss-Prot. It distinguishes itself from the sibling id_map_poll by stating it returns a jobId to poll.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explains when to use the tool: for a single hop mapping. It mentions polling with id_map_poll and implies multi-hop scenarios require chaining, though this is detailed more in the input schema. Explicit exclusions for non-safe hops are in the schema but not in the description.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
in_silico_pcrIn-silico PCRARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Predict PCR products for a template and a pair of primers (IUPAC-aware, allows mismatches, handles circular templates).
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| circular | No | Treat the template as circular (plasmid). | |
| template | Yes | Nucleotide sequence (raw or FASTA; IUPAC accepted). | |
| forwardPrimer | Yes | Primer 1, 5'→3'. | |
| maxMismatches | No | Mismatches tolerated per primer. | |
| reversePrimer | Yes | Primer 2, 5'→3' (order does not matter). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
The description adds behavioral context beyond annotations (readOnlyHint, idempotentHint) by detailing IUPAC-awareness, mismatch tolerance, and circular template support. However, it does not disclose output format, potential errors, or performance limitations, which would raise the score to 5.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single sentence that conveys all essential information without redundancy. It is front-loaded with the core action and efficiently lists key features in parentheses.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the absence of an output schema, the description should clarify what the tool returns (e.g., product size, sequence, location). Currently it only says 'Predict PCR products', which is vague. Additionally, no prerequisites or error conditions are mentioned. The description is minimally adequate for a simple tool but lacks completeness.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so the baseline is 3. The description does not add parameter-specific details beyond the schema, but it provides overarching context (IUPAC, mismatches, circular) that helps interpret parameter usage. This is adequate but not exceptional.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the action 'Predict PCR products' and specifies the key resources 'template and a pair of primers'. It also lists distinctive features like IUPAC-awareness, mismatch allowance, and circular template handling, which differentiate it from sibling tools like primer_design or primer_specificity.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explains what the tool does but provides no guidance on when to use it over alternatives (e.g., primer_design, melting_temperature). No 'when not to use' or explicit trade-offs are mentioned, leaving the agent to infer suitability solely from the purpose.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
kasp_primer_designKASP / ARMS Allele-Specific PrimersARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Design KASP/ARMS allele-specific genotyping primers for a SNP: two allele-specific forward primers differing only at the 3' terminal base (one per allele), each with the standard KASP universal tail (FAM for allele A, HEX for allele B), a deliberate internal ARMS secondary mismatch near the 3' end whose strength complements the natural allele mismatch (strong↔weak), and one common downstream reverse primer sized to a chosen amplicon range. Reuses the site's nearest-neighbor Tm engine.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| target | Yes | Nucleotide sequence (raw or FASTA; IUPAC accepted). | |
| alleleA | Yes | First allele (single base) — gets the FAM tail. | |
| alleleB | Yes | Second allele (single base) — gets the HEX tail. | |
| maxAmplicon | No | Maximum amplicon length for the common reverse primer. | |
| minAmplicon | No | Minimum amplicon length for the common reverse primer. | |
| snpPosition | Yes | 1-based position of the SNP on the forward strand. | |
| targetCoreTm | No | Target Tm (°C) for the allele-specific primer core (before the universal tail). | |
| addSecondaryMismatch | No | Engineer the internal ARMS destabilising mismatch near the 3' end. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations indicate readOnlyHint=true and idempotentHint=true, but the description adds valuable behavioral details: the design includes universal tails, deliberate internal secondary mismatch, and reuses the nearest-neighbor Tm engine. No contradictions.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences, front-loaded with the core purpose, followed by a key behavioral detail. Every sentence contributes essential information without redundancy.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The description thoroughly explains what the tool designs, but since there is no output schema, it omits explicit mention of return values (likely primer sequences). Given the complexity, this is a minor gap.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3. The description enriches understanding by explaining the purpose of tails (FAM/HEX) and the internal mismatch strategy, adding meaning beyond parameter names and descriptions.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it designs KASP/ARMS allele-specific genotyping primers for a SNP, specifying the two allele-specific forward primers with tails, internal ARMS secondary mismatch, and a common reverse primer. This is distinct from sibling tools like generic 'primer_design' or 'melting_temperature'.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implicitly defines when to use this tool: for KASP/ARMS genotyping primer design. It does not explicitly exclude alternatives or provide when-not conditions, but the specialization makes the context clear.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
melting_temperaturePrimer Tm calculatorARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Primer/oligo melting temperature: nearest-neighbour (SantaLucia 1998) plus Wallace and salt-adjusted estimates, with the length-appropriate recommendation and molecular weights.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| mgMM | No | Divalent cation [Mg2+] (mM). | |
| naMM | No | Monovalent cation [Na+]/[K+] (mM). | |
| dntpMM | No | Total [dNTP] (mM), chelates Mg2+. | |
| oligoNM | No | Total strand concentration (nM). | |
| sequence | Yes | Nucleotide sequence (raw or FASTA; IUPAC accepted). | |
| targetTm | No | Optional target Tm (°C). When given, the response includes a pass/fail gate. | |
| tmTolerance | No | Allowed +/- window (°C) around targetTm for the gate. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already indicate readOnlyHint=true and idempotentHint=true. Description adds details on calculation methods and outputs (recommendation, molecular weights), providing context beyond annotations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Single sentence efficiently conveys purpose, methods, and outputs without waste.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
No output schema exists, and the description mentions 'recommendation and molecular weights' but does not specify the full output format. However, for a straightforward calculator, it provides sufficient context.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100% with detailed parameter descriptions. The tool description does not add significant meaning beyond what the schema already provides.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Clearly states it calculates primer/oligo melting temperature using nearest-neighbour (SantaLucia 1998), Wallace, and salt-adjusted estimates. Identifies distinct purpose from sibling tools like primer_design or oligo_analysis.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Implies usage for Tm calculation but does not provide explicit when-to-use vs alternatives or when-not-to-use. No mention of exclusions.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
motif_finderMotif FinderARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Find (overlapping) occurrences of an IUPAC motif on either strand, allowing mismatches.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| motif | Yes | Query motif; IUPAC ambiguity codes (R Y S W K M B D H V N) allowed. | |
| sequence | Yes | Nucleotide sequence (raw or FASTA; IUPAC accepted). | |
| maxMismatches | No | Maximum allowed mismatches per match. | |
| searchReverseStrand | No | Also search the reverse strand. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
The description adds behavioral context beyond annotations by specifying overlapping matches, allowance of mismatches, and dual-strand search. Annotations already indicate read-only and idempotent behavior, so the description effectively supplements these with operation details.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
A single 13-word sentence that front-loads the action and includes key qualifiers. Every word contributes meaning, with no redundancy or filler. Ideal conciseness for quick parsing.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The description lacks output format details (e.g., positions, list of matches) and does not address limits (e.g., sequence length). With no output schema, the description should compensate, but it does not, leaving an AI agent with incomplete invocation context.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Input schema has 100% description coverage, so the schema already documents all four parameters. The description adds no new semantic information beyond rephrasing the tool's purpose. Baseline score of 3 is appropriate since schema carries the burden.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the verb 'Find' and the resource 'occurrences of an IUPAC motif', with specific qualifiers like overlapping, either strand, and allowing mismatches. This makes the tool's exact functionality unambiguous and distinguishes it from sibling tools like 'find_orfs' or 'restriction_sites'.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implicitly defines when to use this tool (motif finding in nucleotide sequences) but lacks explicit guidance on when not to use it or which sibling tools are alternatives. An agent could reasonably infer usage, but clearer direction would improve selection confidence.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
multiple_sequence_alignmentMultiple Sequence AlignmentARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Center-star multiple sequence alignment of a multi-FASTA input, with consensus and per-column conservation.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| input | Yes | Two or more sequences in multi-FASTA format (>name / sequence). Up to 25 are aligned. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already indicate readOnlyHint and idempotentHint, so no destructive behavior. The description adds value by specifying input constraints (up to 25 sequences) and output features (consensus, per-column conservation), which are not in annotations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, well-structured sentence that front-loads the core purpose and key details. Every word is informative, with no unnecessary content.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a single-parameter tool with robust annotations and no output schema, the description adequately covers input constraints and output features. Minor omission: no explanation of the alignment algorithm beyond 'center-star', but this is acceptable given tool simplicity.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% for the single parameter 'input', which already specifies multi-FASTA format and upper limit. The description repeats this, adding no new semantic detail; baseline 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool performs multiple sequence alignment using the center-star method on a multi-FASTA input, producing consensus and per-column conservation. This explicitly distinguishes it from the sibling pairwise_alignment tool.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage for aligning multiple sequences, contrasting with pairwise alignment, but does not provide explicit guidance on when to choose this over alternatives or mention any exclusions.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
oligo_analysisOligo analyzerARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Full oligo analysis: nearest-neighbour Tm/ΔG/ΔH/ΔS plus hairpin and self-dimer screening with base-pair diagrams and warnings.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| mgMM | No | Divalent cation [Mg2+] (mM). | |
| naMM | No | Monovalent cation [Na+]/[K+] (mM). | |
| dntpMM | No | Total [dNTP] (mM), chelates Mg2+. | |
| oligoNM | No | Total strand concentration (nM). | |
| sequence | Yes | Nucleotide sequence (raw or FASTA; IUPAC accepted). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations declare readOnlyHint=true and idempotentHint=true, so safety is clear. Description adds that it returns base-pair diagrams and warnings, which is useful but does not elaborate on computational cost or limitations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Single sentence that is front-loaded with key outputs (Tm, ΔG, ΔH, ΔS, screening, diagrams, warnings). No unnecessary words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
No output schema provided, so description must explain return values. It lists thermodynamics, screening results, and diagrams, which is sufficient but lacks detail on format or structure (e.g., whether it returns a report, JSON, or visualization).
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema covers 100% of parameters with descriptions (e.g., mgMM, naMM, dntpMM, oligoNM, sequence). The description only restates that it uses sequence and cation concentrations, adding no new meaning beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Description clearly states the tool performs full oligo analysis including nearest-neighbour thermodynamics (Tm, ΔG, ΔH, ΔS) and secondary structure screening (hairpin, self-dimer) with diagrams and warnings. This distinguishes it from siblings like 'melting_temperature' which only calculates Tm.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives (e.g., 'melting_temperature' for just Tm, 'cross_dimer' for heterodimers). The description implies comprehensive analysis but does not state use cases or exclusions.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
ortholog_mapFind orthologs/paralogs for gene symbols across speciesARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Look up the orthologous (or paralogous) gene for up to 50 gene symbols in a target species, via Ensembl's homology-by-symbol REST endpoint. Symbols with no homology record are reported in unmapped, never silently dropped.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| type | No | Homology type to return. Defaults to orthologues. | orthologues |
| symbols | Yes | Gene symbols to look up, up to 50 (e.g. ["TP53", "BRCA1"]). | |
| sourceSpecies | No | Ensembl species slug the symbols belong to (e.g. "human", "mouse"). Defaults to "human". | human |
| targetSpecies | Yes | Ensembl species slug to find homologs in (e.g. "mouse", "rat", "zebrafish", "fruit_fly"). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already indicate readOnlyHint and idempotentHint, so the agent knows it is safe and idempotent. The description adds that unmapped symbols are reported in 'unmapped' and never silently dropped, which is valuable beyond the annotations. No contradictions.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is extremely concise with only two sentences, front-loaded with the key verb 'Look up'. Every sentence provides essential information without redundancy.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given that there is no output schema and the tool is a lookup, the description hints at the output structure by mentioning the 'unmapped' field. However, it does not fully describe the response format for successful mappings, which could be improved. Still, it is fairly complete for the complexity level.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so parameters are well-documented. The description adds context about the 50-symbol limit and the behavior for unmapped results, which goes beyond the schema. It also explicitly mentions the Ensembl REST endpoint, adding operational context.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's purpose: looking up orthologous/paralogous genes for up to 50 gene symbols across species via Ensembl's homology-by-symbol endpoint. It uses a specific verb and resource, and distinguishes itself from sibling tools by its focused functionality.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implicitly guides when to use this tool (when needing orthologs/paralogs for gene symbols) and mentions the source endpoint and constraints. No explicit exclusions or alternatives are given, but the context is clear enough for selection.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
pairwise_alignmentPairwise AlignmentARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Global (Needleman-Wunsch) or local (Smith-Waterman) pairwise alignment of two sequences with match/mismatch/gap scoring.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| gap | No | Linear gap penalty (per gap position). | |
| mode | No | global | |
| seqA | Yes | First sequence (raw or FASTA; nucleotide or protein). | |
| seqB | Yes | Second sequence (raw or FASTA; nucleotide or protein). | |
| match | No | Match score. | |
| mismatch | No | Mismatch penalty. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and idempotentHint=true, so the description's job is to add behavioral context. It adds value by naming the specific algorithms and scoring parameters, which helps the agent understand the computational behavior beyond the annotations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, well-structured sentence that front-loads the core action and key options. No redundant information.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The tool has no output schema, and the description does not specify what the tool returns (e.g., alignment output format, score). Given the complexity of alignment, some indication of return value is needed for complete understanding.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is high (83%), but the description enhances understanding by explaining that mode affects algorithm choice (Needleman-Wunsch vs Smith-Waterman) and summarizing the scoring as match/mismatch/gap, which reinforces parameter roles.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool performs pairwise alignment of two sequences, specifies the two algorithms (Needleman-Wunsch and Smith-Waterman), and mentions the scoring scheme. It effectively distinguishes from sibling tools like multiple_sequence_alignment by focusing on pairwise comparison.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description mentions two modes (global and local) but provides no guidance on when to use each or when to prefer this tool over alternatives like multiple_sequence_alignment. Usage context is implied but not explicit.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
parse_genbankGenBank ParserARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Parse a GenBank flat file into its locus, definition, features and sequence.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| text | Yes | A GenBank flat file (LOCUS … FEATURES … ORIGIN … //). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already provide readOnlyHint and idempotentHint. The description adds value by specifying that the tool extracts locus, definition, features, and sequence, which is not obvious from annotations alone. However, it does not disclose error handling, input validation requirements, or output format details.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, well-structured sentence of 12 words. It front-loads the verb and outcome without any redundant or unnecessary information, earning every word.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple parser with one parameter and no output schema, the description is fairly complete. It explains what the tool does and what data is extracted. Minor gap: it does not describe the return format (e.g., JSON object structure), but overall adequate given the tool's simplicity.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% and the parameter description already mentions the GenBank flat file format. The tool description reinforces this but does not add new meaning beyond what the schema provides, so a baseline score of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the action (parse), the specific resource (GenBank flat file), and the output components (locus, definition, features, sequence). It distinguishes itself from sibling tools like 'characterize_sequence' or 'plasmid_annotate' by its unique purpose.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives, no mention of prerequisites or when not to use it. The agent must infer usage solely from the tool's name and sibling context, which is insufficient.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
parse_sanger_traceSanger Trace ParserARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Decode a Sanger ABIF (.ab1 / .abi) chromatogram: base calls, per-base quality, the four dye-channel traces and peak locations.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| fileName | No | Optional original file name (echoed back). | |
| fileBase64 | Yes | The binary ABIF (.ab1 / .abi) trace file, base64-encoded. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
The description is consistent with annotations (readOnlyHint, idempotentHint) and adds context about outputs (traces, peaks). However, it does not describe edge cases (corrupt files), return format, or any potential side effects beyond what annotations already convey.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Single sentence of 12 words, front-loaded with the action, and lists key outputs efficiently. No redundant information.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Lacks details about the return structure (e.g., JSON format, array types), file size limits, or encoding requirements. For a tool with no output schema, more description of response format would improve completeness.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, so the baseline is 3. The description does not add meaningful information beyond what the schema already provides (fileBase64 is binary ABIF, fileName is optional).
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly specifies the tool's action ('Decode'), the input format ('Sanger ABIF .ab1/.abi chromatogram'), and the outputs ('base calls, per-base quality, the four dye-channel traces and peak locations'). It is a specific verb+resource and distinguishes from siblings like sanger_vs_reference.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives (e.g., sanger_vs_reference). Does not mention prerequisites, file size limits, or when not to use it. The description is purely functional.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
plasmid_annotatePlasmid annotatorARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Auto-detect common cloning features (promoters, tags, origins, resistance markers, MCS, primers) on both strands.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| sequence | Yes | Nucleotide sequence (raw or FASTA; IUPAC accepted). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already provide readOnlyHint, idempotentHint, and openWorldHint, so the description need not restate those. It adds that detection occurs on both strands, which is a useful behavioral detail beyond what annotations convey. No contradictions with annotations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, front-loaded sentence that communicates the essential purpose without unnecessary words. Every part earns its place.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The description lacks details about the output format (e.g., list of features, positions, types). Without an output schema, the agent may need to infer the return structure. For a tool with one parameter and moderate complexity, the description is adequate but not fully complete.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The only parameter 'sequence' is fully described in the schema (100% coverage). The description does not add new meaning beyond 'Nucleotide sequence (raw or FASTA; IUPAC accepted).' Baseline 3 is appropriate as the schema handles the parameter documentation.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description explicitly states the tool auto-detects common cloning features (promoters, tags, origins, resistance markers, MCS, primers) on both strands, clearly specifying the verb and resource. It distinguishes from siblings like 'plasmid_deep_annotate' and 'plasmid_full_report' by emphasizing quick detection of common features.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies use for quick annotation of common features but does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives like 'plasmid_deep_annotate'. No exclusions or prerequisites are mentioned, leaving the agent to infer usage context from the sibling list.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
plasmid_deep_annotateDeep plasmid annotation (pLannotate)ARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Annotate a plasmid against pLannotate's open-source feature library — a much larger signature set (GenoLIB parts + Swiss-Prot, cross-referenced against ~195k Addgene-deposited plasmids) than plasmid_annotate's built-in curated list. Requires the optional pLannotate sidecar to be deployed and configured; throws a clear internal_error explaining how to set it up if it isn't.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| circular | No | Treat the sequence as a circular plasmid (vs. linear). | |
| sequence | Yes | Nucleotide sequence (raw or FASTA; IUPAC accepted). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already provide readOnlyHint and idempotentHint, so the description does not need to repeat those. It adds valuable behavioral context: the requirement for an optional sidecar and the specific error behavior if not configured. This goes beyond the annotations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences with no wasted words. The first sentence front-loads the purpose and differentiator, and the second addresses a critical usage requirement. Every sentence earns its place.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the low complexity (2 parameters, no nested objects, no output schema) and the presence of comprehensive annotations, the description is complete. It explains the tool's unique value, required setup, and error handling, leaving no gaps for an agent to interpret.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, so the input schema already fully documents both parameters (sequence, circular). The description does not add additional meaning or constraints beyond what the schema provides, so it meets the baseline of 3.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it annotates a plasmid against pLannotate's feature library, explicitly distinguishing it from the sibling tool plasmid_annotate by noting the larger signature set. The verb 'annotate' and resource 'plasmid' are specific, and the contrast with the sibling tool provides clear differentiation.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description gives clear context for when to use this tool (for deeper annotation with a larger library) and mentions the prerequisite of the pLannotate sidecar. However, it does not explicitly state when not to use it or provide direct alternatives beyond the implied contrast with plasmid_annotate.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
plasmid_full_reportPlasmid full report (identity + features + unexplained regions)ARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
One combined view of 'what is this plasmid': recognized common features (from plasmid_annotate), backbone identity / possible chimera (from plasmid_identify), and — the two crossed together — any region that neither a curated backbone nor a recognized common feature explains. That last list is a triage signal (an unusual insert, an unannotated part, or worth a closer look), not a defect finding: a real gene-of-interest legitimately has no curated-feature match.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| topN | No | How many top-ranked backbone candidates to report. | |
| circular | No | Treat the query as a circular molecule (most plasmids are). | |
| sequence | Yes | Nucleotide sequence (raw or FASTA; IUPAC accepted). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and idempotentHint=true, so the agent knows it's safe and repeatable. The description adds valuable context: that the unexplained region list is a triage signal, not a defect finding, which shapes how the agent should interpret results. No contradictions with annotations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, well-structured paragraph. The first sentence states the purpose, followed by break down of components. Every sentence adds substance without redundancy. No wasted words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool combines three analyses and has no output schema, the description does a good job explaining what each part does and how to interpret the results. It could briefly mention the return format (e.g., JSON structure) but overall provides sufficient context for a complex tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with all three parameters (topN, circular, sequence) described. The description does not add additional detail about parameter usage or constraints beyond what the schema provides, so baseline score of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it combines three analyses: common features, backbone identity/chimera, and crossed unexplained regions. It uses a specific verb 'One combined view' and distinguishes from sibling tools like plasmid_annotate and plasmid_identify.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explains what the tool outputs and includes guidance that the unexplained regions are a triage signal, not a defect. However, it does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus calling its component tools separately or alternatives.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
plasmid_identifyIdentify an unknown plasmidARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Screen a query plasmid against a small curated set of common backbones (cloning vectors, expression vectors, BACs — see referencesChecked for the exact list) to identify which one(s) it resembles, separate an unmatched region (normal — your own insert) from a POSSIBLE CHIMERA (a region matching a different known backbone than its neighbor), and report per-match %identity/%coverage. NOT a search against Addgene's ~100k-plasmid catalog or PlasmidScope's 850k+ — a curated-set screen only.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| topN | No | How many top-ranked backbone candidates to report. | |
| circular | No | Treat the query as a circular molecule (most plasmids are). | |
| sequence | Yes | Nucleotide sequence (raw or FASTA; IUPAC accepted). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true (safe read) and idempotentHint=true. Description adds behavioral details: it screens against a small curated list, identifies chimeras, and reports per-match %identity/%coverage. No contradictions with annotations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Description is approximately four lines, front-loaded with the primary purpose. Every sentence adds necessary information—what it does, what it excludes, and output details. No filler or repetition.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Despite no output schema, the description covers the tool's scope (curated set), its outputs (matched vs. unmatched, chimera detection, %identity/%coverage), and its limitations (not a large catalog search). This is complete for a moderate-complexity tool like plasmid identification.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%—all three parameters have descriptions. The description does not add significant parameter-level details beyond the schema, but it provides context about the reference set ('small curated set of common backbones — see referencesChecked'), which adds some value. Baseline 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Description clearly states the tool screens a query plasmid against a curated set of common backbones, identifies resemblance, separates unmatched region from possible chimera, and reports %identity/%coverage. It distinguishes itself from larger catalog searches, making the purpose precise.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Explicitly says 'NOT a search against Addgene's ~100k-plasmid catalog or PlasmidScope's 850k+ — a curated-set screen only,' providing clear when-to-use and when-not-to-use guidance. Also explains chimera detection, helping the agent decide when this tool is appropriate.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
prime_editing_designPrime Editing Studio (pegRNA)ARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Design SpCas9 prime-editing pegRNAs for a substitution, insertion, deletion, or small replacement: for each usable NGG PAM it builds the spacer, a primer-binding-site (PBS) length sweep targeting a ~30 C melting temperature, the reverse-transcriptase template (RTT) that encodes the edit, and the full 3' extension, plus PE3 nicking-sgRNA suggestions 40-90 bp away on the opposite strand. Designs where the edit destroys the pegRNA's own PAM (preventing re-nicking of the edited allele) are ranked first. Off-target activity is not evaluated (no in-browser reference genome).
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| target | Yes | Forward-strand target DNA (raw or FASTA), with flanking sequence around the intended edit. | |
| editEnd | Yes | 1-based inclusive end of the region being changed. For a pure insertion, set editEnd = editStart - 1. | |
| editStart | Yes | 1-based inclusive start of the region being changed. | |
| pbsLength | No | Optional preferred PBS length to highlight; a full 8-17 nt sweep is always returned. | |
| frameStart | No | Optional 1-based CDS reading-frame start, used only to annotate whether a PAM-blocking mutation would be silent. | |
| insertedSeq | No | Replacement bases (forward strand). Empty string means a deletion. | |
| rttHomology | No | Homology length (nt) 3' of the edit that the RTT should include (typically 10-16). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
The description goes well beyond the annotations (readOnlyHint, idempotentHint) to detail behavioral traits: it performs a PBS length sweep targeting ~30°C, builds RTT encoding the edit, suggests PE3 nicking sgRNAs 40-90bp away, ranks designs by PAM destruction, and explicitly states off-target activity is not evaluated. No contradictions with annotations exist.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is well-structured and front-loaded with the main action verb 'Design'. It contains a single paragraph with detailed information, but some phrases could be slightly more concise. Overall, it is efficient and informative without unnecessary repetition.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's complexity (7 parameters, no output schema), the description thoroughly explains the inputs and outputs (spacer, PBS, RTT, 3' extension, PE3 suggestions). It mentions limiting factors (no off-target evaluation). However, it does not describe the output format or structure, which would enhance completeness.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Input schema has 100% description coverage, providing clear parameter definitions for all fields. The description adds context about the overall design process but does not elaborate on individual parameters beyond what the schema already provides. Baseline score of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description explicitly states it designs SpCas9 prime-editing pegRNAs for substitution, insertion, deletion, or replacement. It details the components built (spacer, PBS, RTT, 3' extension, PE3 nicking-sgRNA), making the tool's purpose very specific and clear. Although a sibling 'prime_editing_twin_design' exists, the description still clearly defines this tool's unique focus.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explains what the tool designs but provides no explicit guidance on when to use it versus alternatives like prime_editing_twin_design or base_editing_design. It implies usage for any prime editing but does not mention exclusions or when not to use it. The lack of comparison to sibling tools reduces the score from ideal.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
prime_editing_twin_designtwinPE Studio (dual pegRNA)ARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Design a twinPE pegRNA pair (Anzalone et al. 2022) for a replacement too large for a single pegRNA's RTT: a left pegRNA nicks the + strand at/before the replacement window and a right pegRNA nicks the - strand at/after it, each synthesizing a new 3' flap; both flaps are truncated at a shared overlap in the middle of the new sequence so they anneal and resolve the edit without an HDR donor. Off-target activity is not evaluated (no in-browser reference genome).
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| target | Yes | Forward-strand target DNA (raw or FASTA), with flanking sequence on both sides of the replacement window. | |
| pbsLength | No | Optional preferred PBS length to highlight; a full 8-17 nt sweep is always returned. | |
| replaceEnd | Yes | 1-based inclusive end of the region being replaced/deleted. For a pure insertion, set replaceEnd = replaceStart - 1. | |
| newSequence | Yes | New sequence (forward strand) to install in place of [replaceStart, replaceEnd]. Needs >= 2 bp. | |
| replaceStart | Yes | 1-based inclusive start of the region being replaced/deleted. | |
| overlapLength | No | Length (bp) of the shared overlap built into both pegRNAs' 3' flaps where they meet and anneal. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
The description discloses that off-target activity is not evaluated ('no in-browser reference genome'), which adds value beyond the annotations (readOnlyHint, idempotentHint). It also explains the mechanism (left/right nicks, flap synthesis, annealing) but does not mention computational cost or limits. There is no contradiction with annotations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single dense paragraph, but every sentence adds necessary technical context. It efficiently explains the complex method without wasted words. Could be slightly improved by breaking into shorter sentences, but overall concise.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The description covers the biological context and when to use the tool. However, with no output schema, it does not describe what the tool returns (e.g., pegRNA sequences, scores, or graphics). For a design tool, mentioning output format would improve completeness. Otherwise, it is fairly complete given the complexity.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with detailed parameter descriptions. The description adds value by explaining the role of overlapLength in the mechanism and clarifying that pbsLength is a preference while a full sweep is returned. This goes beyond the schema's static descriptions.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly defines the tool's purpose: designing twinPE pegRNA pairs for large replacements. It references the original method (Anzalone et al. 2022) and distinguishes from single pegRNA design, which is a sibling tool. The verb 'design' and specific resource 'twinPE pegRNA pair' make the purpose unambiguous.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description states when to use this tool ('for a replacement too large for a single pegRNA's RTT') and mentions what it does not evaluate (off-target activity). It implies the alternative (single pegRNA design) exists, but does not explicitly say 'use prime_editing_design for smaller edits'. The sibling list includes prime_editing_design, providing context.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
primer_designPrimer designerARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
De-novo PCR primer design (Primer3-style penalty picker): enumerate and score candidate primer pairs against length/Tm/GC/3'-clamp/structure constraints.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| mgMM | No | Divalent cation [Mg2+] (mM). | |
| naMM | No | Monovalent cation [Na+]/[K+] (mM). | |
| gcMax | No | ||
| gcMin | No | ||
| tmMax | No | ||
| tmMin | No | ||
| tmOpt | No | ||
| dntpMM | No | Total [dNTP] (mM), chelates Mg2+. | |
| lenMax | No | ||
| lenMin | No | ||
| lenOpt | No | ||
| oligoNM | No | Total strand concentration (nM). | |
| template | Yes | Nucleotide sequence (raw or FASTA; IUPAC accepted). | |
| maxReturn | No | Number of best pairs to return. | |
| targetEnd | No | 1-based inclusive end of the target region (optional). | |
| tmMaxDiff | No | Max Tm difference within a pair (°C). | |
| ampliconMax | No | ||
| ampliconMin | No | ||
| targetStart | No | 1-based inclusive start of a region the product must span (optional). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and idempotentHint=true, so the description only needs to add behavioral context. It adds that the tool uses a penalty-scoring approach (Primer3-style) and considers structural constraints, which is useful beyond the annotations. No contradiction with annotations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single sentence of 20 words, efficiently conveying the core function. It is front-loaded with the verb 'design' and key identifying details (Primer3-style, constraints). No redundant words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the complexity (19 parameters, no output schema), the description is too brief. It does not mention the return format (e.g., list of primer pairs with scores), error handling, or parameter interactions. For a tool with many tunable parameters, more context is needed for an agent to use it correctly.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is only 47%, meaning many parameters (e.g., gcMax, tmMax, lenOpt) lack descriptions. The description does not explain individual parameters; it only broadly mentions constraints. With low schema coverage, the description fails to compensate by clarifying parameter roles or defaults.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's purpose: de-novo PCR primer design using a Primer3-style penalty picker, enumerating and scoring candidate primer pairs against specific constraints (length, Tm, GC, 3'-clamp, structure). This specific verb-resource combination distinguishes it from siblings like kasp_primer_design (KASP-specific) or in_silico_pcr (simulation).
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies it's for designing new primer pairs, but it does not explicitly state when to use versus alternatives like primer_specificity or melting_temperature. No when-not-to-use or exclusion criteria are provided, leaving the agent to infer context.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
primer_specificityPrimer specificity screenARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Self-hosted e-PCR-style screen for off-target amplicons predicted by a primer pair against a small set of curated reference genomes (currently: E. coli K-12 MG1655 — see genomesChecked for the exact list). This checks background/host-genome specificity, NOT whether the primers hit your intended target — pair it with in_silico_pcr against your own template for that. Batchable over candidate REVERSE primers against one fixed forward primer (screen many candidates against a shared partner) — not independent primer-pair batching, which this tool doesn't support.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| forwardPrimer | Yes | Forward primer, 5'→3'. | |
| maxMismatches | No | Mismatches tolerated per primer against a reference genome. | |
| reversePrimer | Yes | Reverse primer, 5'→3'. | |
| maxProductLength | No | Ignore candidate off-target products longer than this (bp) — a search-window cap, not a biological claim. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
While annotations already indicate readOnlyHint and idempotentHint, the description adds behavior details: it is self-hosted, e-PCR-style, and checks against a specific set of genomes (E. coli K-12). It also explains what the tool does NOT do, which is useful for setting expectations. No contradictions with annotations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences with no fluff, front-loaded with main purpose. Could be slightly more concise, but the information density is good and every sentence adds value.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the lack of output schema, the description adequately covers what the tool does, its scope, and limitations. It mentions the reference genome list and advises on pairing with in_silico_pcr. No major gaps for the tool's purpose.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with clear descriptions. The description adds extra nuance: reversePrimer can be batched against a fixed forwardPrimer, and maxProductLength is a search-window cap. This adds meaning beyond the schema's basic descriptions.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool performs an e-PCR-style screen for off-target amplicons against curated reference genomes, specifically distinguishing it from checking intended targets (which requires in_silico_pcr). The verb 'screen' and resource 'primer pair against reference genomes' are specific, and the purpose is differentiated from sibling tools like in_silico_pcr.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Explicitly states when to use (for background/host-genome specificity) and when not (not for intended target), and recommends pairing with in_silico_pcr. Also clarifies batching behavior: batchable over reverse primers against a fixed forward, not independent primer-pair batching. Provides clear usage context.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
protease_digestionProtease DigestionARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
In-silico protease/chemical digestion: cleave a protein and report each peptide's position, length and neutral mass.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| maxMass | No | Optional upper bound on neutral monoisotopic mass (Da). | |
| minMass | No | Optional lower bound on neutral monoisotopic mass (Da). | |
| protease | No | Protease or chemical cleavage agent. | trypsin |
| sequence | Yes | Protein sequence (one-letter amino-acid codes; non-AA characters ignored). | |
| maxPeptides | No | Cap on the number of returned peptides. | |
| missedCleavages | No | Allowed missed internal cleavages (0–2). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and idempotentHint=true, indicating a safe, side-effect-free operation. The description adds minimal behavioral context beyond stating it's an in-silico simulation. It does not mention constraints like the maxPeptides cap or the handling of non-AA characters, which are in the schema but not in the description.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, front-loaded sentence that conveys the essential information without any verbose or redundant phrasing. Every word contributes to understanding the tool's core function and output.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the lack of an output schema, the description only partially describes the return values (position, length, neutral mass). It does not specify whether the output is a list, the ordering, or how missed cleavages or other parameters affect results. A more complete description would clarify the output structure.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema has 100% coverage with parameter descriptions, so the description does not need to repeat them. However, the description adds no extra meaning beyond the schema, such as usage tips or parameter relationships. It meets the baseline for a well-documented schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's action ('cleave a protein') and the output ('report each peptide's position, length and neutral mass'). It uses specific verb+resource and distinguishes from sibling tools like 'protein_properties' or 'characterize_sequence' which have broader or different purposes.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage for in-silico digestion but provides no explicit guidance on when to use this tool vs. alternatives, nor does it mention prerequisites or exclusions. The context is clear but lacks direct when-to-use and when-not-to-use instructions.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
protein_annotate_pollPoll a protein annotation jobARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Check an InterProScan job submitted via protein_annotate_submit. Returns {status, ready:false} while still running; once FINISHED, also returns the parsed domain architecture, per-match details and deduplicated GO terms.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| jobId | Yes |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already indicate readOnlyHint and idempotentHint. The description adds valuable behavioral detail about the polling state machine (returns different data when running vs finished) and the specific data returned upon completion.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences, efficiently covering purpose, behavior, and return value. No unnecessary words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the simplicity (1 param, no output schema), the description fully explains the tool's behavior and return values. No gaps.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 0% (no description for jobId). The description implies that jobId comes from a previous submit call, but doesn't provide format or constraints. However, with only one parameter, its purpose is largely self-explanatory.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool polls an InterProScan job and specifies the return structure for both running and finished states. It distinguishes itself from the submit sibling (protein_annotate_submit).
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Explicitly mentions it checks a job submitted via protein_annotate_submit, providing clear usage context. No explicit when-not-to-use or alternatives, but the polling nature makes it straightforward.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
protein_annotate_submitSubmit a protein for domain/GO annotationARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Submit a protein sequence to EBI InterProScan for domain architecture, family and GO-term annotation. Returns a jobId immediately — the job itself takes minutes; poll it with protein_annotate_poll.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| appl | No | Restrict to one member database (e.g. "PfamA"); omit to run EBI's defaults across all of them. | |
| goterms | No | Include GO-term cross-references. | |
| sequence | Yes | Protein sequence, one-letter code (FASTA header, if any, is stripped). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
The description discloses that the job is asynchronous and takes minutes, which goes beyond annotations (readOnlyHint, idempotentHint). No contradiction with annotations. The description adds behavioral context about immediate return of jobId and need for polling.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences, both front-loaded with essential information. Every word adds value, with no redundancy or filler. Efficient and clear.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the three parameters are well-described in the schema, the description sufficiently covers the workflow. It mentions the asynchronous nature and need to poll, but could optionally specify the format of jobId. Overall adequate for a submission tool with no output schema.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with clear descriptions for each parameter. The description does not add additional parameter-level meaning beyond the schema. It restates the overall function but not per-parameter details. Baseline score of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the verb (submit), resource (protein sequence to EBI InterProScan), and output (jobId). It distinguishes itself from the sibling tool 'protein_annotate_poll' by indicating that this is the submission step and polling is done separately.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explicitly states the workflow: submit and then poll with protein_annotate_poll. It does not list exclusions or alternatives, but the context makes it clear that this is the submission step. The requirement for a protein sequence is implied but not stated as a prerequisite.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
protein_hydrophobicityHydrophobicity ProfileARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Sliding-window hydropathy/hydrophobicity profile (ProtScale-style) over a published amino-acid scale.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| scale | No | Amino-acid scale. Kyte-Doolittle and Eisenberg are hydrophobicity; Hopp-Woods is hydrophilicity. | Kyte-Doolittle |
| window | No | Sliding-window size (clamped to an odd number ≥ 1). | |
| sequence | Yes | Protein sequence (one-letter amino-acid codes; non-AA characters ignored). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare read-only and idempotent hints. The description adds meaningful behavioral details: sliding-window approach, use of published scales, and handling of non-AA characters. No contradiction with annotations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Single, efficient sentence that immediately conveys the core functionality. No extraneous words, front-loaded with key information.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the schema and annotations cover the needed details, the description is largely complete. However, the output format ('profile') is vague; mentioning that it returns a list of scores per window position would improve completeness. Still adequate for a low-complexity tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so the schema fully documents parameters. The description adds context like 'ProtScale-style' but does not provide additional meaning beyond what is in schema descriptions. Baseline score is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly specifies the tool computes a sliding-window hydropathy/hydrophobicity profile, referencing ProtScale and published amino-acid scales. It distinctively names the resource (protein sequence) and the operation (profile computation), differentiating it from broader sibling tools like 'protein_properties'.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as 'protein_properties' or 'codon_adaptation_index'. The context is implied by the tool name, but the description does not provide conditions or exclusions to aid selection.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
protein_propertiesProtein PropertiesARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Protein properties: molecular weight, isoelectric point, GRAVY, extinction coefficient and composition.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| sequence | Yes | Protein sequence (one-letter amino-acid codes; non-AA characters ignored). | |
| chargeStep | No | pH step for the net-charge titration curve (0–14). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations (readOnlyHint, idempotentHint) already assure safety and idempotency. The description adds the set of computed properties but no additional behavioral context (e.g., no mention of return format or limitations beyond the schema).
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Single sentence that efficiently lists the key outputs, no superfluous content. Front-loaded with the purpose.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no output schema, the description adequately specifies the output (computed properties). For a tool with two parameters and a narrow scope, this is sufficient. However, the lack of return format details is a minor gap.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with descriptions for both parameters. The tool description does not add new information about parameters beyond the schema, meeting the baseline but not exceeding it.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description explicitly lists the computed properties (molecular weight, isoelectric point, GRAVY, extinction coefficient, composition), clearly stating what the tool does. Distinguishes from siblings like protein_hydrophobicity.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives (e.g., protein_hydrophobicity). Implied usage from the listed properties, but no when-not-to-use or sibling comparisons.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
random_sequenceRandom SequenceBRead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Generate a random DNA, RNA or protein sequence, optionally with a target GC content.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| kind | No | dna | |
| length | Yes | Number of residues to generate. | |
| gcContent | No | Target GC percentage 0..100 (dna/rna only); omit for uniform. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
The description claims the tool is 'random' and 'idempotentHint' is true in annotations. This is a direct contradiction: a random sequence tool cannot be idempotent. The description does not clarify that each call returns a different sequence, nor does it discuss the randomness source or reproducibility.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, clear sentence with 16 words. Every word is necessary and no redundancy. It is front-loaded with the core purpose.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The description lacks details about output format, length range, or behavior of the GC content parameter. Given no output schema, the agent is left to infer return values. The annotation contradiction further reduces completeness.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The description adds meaning beyond the schema by mentioning 'optionally with a target GC content', clarifying that gcContent is optional and only for dna/rna. However, schema coverage is 67% and kind's enum values are not described in the description, leaving some ambiguity.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool generates a random DNA, RNA, or protein sequence with an optional target GC content. It specifies the verb 'Generate' and the resource 'random sequence', distinguishing it from siblings like gc_content or reverse_complement.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. For example, it doesn't mention that it's useful for testing or generating synthetic sequences, nor does it exclude scenarios where deterministic sequences are needed.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
restriction_sitesRestriction sitesBRead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Find restriction enzyme recognition sites in a DNA sequence.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| enzymes | No | Enzyme names to scan; omit to scan all curated enzymes. | |
| circular | No | Treat the sequence as circular (plasmid) so sites spanning the origin are found. | |
| sequence | Yes | Nucleotide sequence (raw or FASTA; IUPAC accepted). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and idempotentHint=true, so the description's 'Find' aligns. The description adds minimal context (DNA sequence, but no mention of output format or behavior for large sequences). It does not contradict annotations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single concise sentence. It is efficient but could be slightly improved with a brief note on output expectations. No wasted words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given low complexity and full schema coverage, the description is adequate for input but omits any hint about the return value (list of sites/positions). This is a moderate gap for a tool that produces output.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with clear descriptions for each parameter (enzymes, circular, sequence). The description adds no additional meaning beyond the schema, so the baseline score of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the verb 'Find' and the resource 'restriction enzyme recognition sites' in a DNA sequence. It distinguishes itself from sibling tools like 'double_digest' or 'virtual_gel' which involve further processing of sites.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as 'double_digest' or 'virtual_gel'. It lacks any 'when-to-use', 'when-not-to-use', or explicit context.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
reverse_complementReverse ComplementARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Reverse, complement and reverse complement of a DNA or RNA sequence.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| type | No | dna | |
| sequence | Yes | Nucleotide sequence (raw or FASTA; IUPAC accepted). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and idempotentHint=true, indicating safe, idempotent behavior. The description adds value by detailing the specific operations (reverse, complement, reverse complement) and the accepted sequence types (DNA/RNA), providing context beyond annotations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, well-front-loaded sentence with no filler. Every word earns its place, conveying the core functionality efficiently.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The tool is simple, but the description omits output details (e.g., format, whether all three operations are returned or one). No output schema exists, so the description should hint at the return structure. It is adequate for a basic transformation but leaves room for confusion about what the agent receives.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 50%: the 'sequence' parameter has a functional description, but the 'type' parameter (enum) lacks description. The tool description mentions operations but does not clarify how to specify which operation output is desired. This ambiguity leaves the parameter semantics moderately clear but incomplete.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool performs reverse, complement, and reverse complement operations on DNA or RNA sequences. It uses specific verbs and resource (nucleotide sequence) and distinguishes itself from sibling tools that focus on other sequence analyses.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No explicit guidance on when to use this tool vs. alternatives. The description implies its use for basic sequence transformations, but fails to mention exclusions or prerequisites. Among many sibling tools, this one is unique in its operation, but the lack of usage context slightly hinders selection.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
reverse_translateReverse TranslateARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Back-translate a protein to DNA (most-frequent codon per organism, or degenerate IUPAC consensus).
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| mode | No | frequent | |
| protein | Yes | Protein sequence (one-letter codes; * for stop). | |
| organism | No | Codon-usage host (ignored in degenerate mode). | ecoli |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations (readOnlyHint, idempotentHint) already indicate safety. Description adds that the tool uses organism-specific codon usage and that degenerate mode ignores organism, providing useful behavioral context beyond annotations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Single sentence efficiently conveys core purpose and mode distinction. Every word is meaningful, no filler.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool has 3 parameters and no output schema, the description adequately covers when to use each mode and the role of organism. However, it does not specify the output format (DNA sequence) or any constraints on protein sequence length.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema already describes 2 of 3 parameters (protein, organism). The description adds overall context by explaining the two modes and how they work, but does not add specific meaning for the mode parameter beyond what the enum implies.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Description clearly states verb (back-translate), resource (protein to DNA), and distinguishes two modes: most-frequent codon per organism and degenerate IUPAC consensus. Sibling tools like 'translate' perform forward translation, so this tool is well-differentiated.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No explicit guidance on when to use reverse_translate vs alternatives like codon_optimize or translate. The description implies two modes but does not explain when to choose one over the other or any prerequisites.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
rna_foldRNA Secondary Structure (MFE)ARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Predict an RNA secondary structure by minimum free energy (MFE) using a Zuker dynamic program with Turner 1999 nearest-neighbor stacking energies (no pseudoknots). Returns the dot-bracket structure, the estimated MFE (kcal/mol), and the list of base pairs. A from-scratch, in-browser implementation (there is no usable browser ViennaRNA); the simplified loop energy model makes the MFE a good comparative estimate, not a lab-grade absolute.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| sequence | Yes | Nucleotide sequence (raw or FASTA; IUPAC accepted). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already mark it as read-only and idempotent. The description adds valuable behavioral details: no pseudoknots, simplified model, comparative estimate only, and the specific return values. It also clarifies the implementation context. This exceeds annotation coverage without contradiction.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Three sentences: first states core purpose, second details algorithm and outputs, third adds caveats. No redundancy, every sentence adds value. Well front-loaded with the main action.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple prediction tool with one parameter and no output schema, the description covers algorithm, model, output format, and accuracy. It could briefly mention maximum sequence length or performance, but overall it is sufficiently complete.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The single parameter 'sequence' has full schema description coverage (100%), so the schema already explains it accepts raw or FASTA IUPAC sequences. The tool description adds output details but no additional parameter semantics. Baseline score of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description explicitly states it predicts RNA secondary structure using MFE, specifies the algorithm (Zuker dynamic program with Turner 1999 energies) and constraints (no pseudoknots), and lists return values (dot-bracket structure, MFE, base pairs). This is a specific verb+resource that clearly distinguishes it from sibling tools.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description clearly indicates the tool is for RNA secondary structure prediction via MFE and notes its limitations: in-browser implementation, simplified loop energy model, not lab-grade. It does not explicitly state when NOT to use or list alternatives, but the context is sufficient for appropriate use.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
sanger_vs_referenceSanger vs ReferenceARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Align a Sanger ABIF read to a reference and report identity plus every mismatch, insertion and deletion.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| read | No | Sanger read as FASTA or raw text (alternative to uploading an ABIF trace). Also the per-record field for plate-batch runs via /api/v1/batch. | |
| fileName | No | Optional original file name (echoed back). | |
| reference | Yes | Expected reference sequence (FASTA or raw). | |
| fileBase64 | No | The binary ABIF (.ab1 / .abi) trace file, base64-encoded. | |
| minCoverage | No | Fraction of the reference the read must span before a PASS is meaningful; below this the verdict is 'ambiguous_low_coverage' regardless of identity. Lower it when the reference is intentionally just the region/junction being checked. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
The description adds the key behavioral trait of reporting mismatches, insertions, and deletions beyond what annotations provide (readOnlyHint, idempotentHint). However, it does not disclose the meaning of the ambiguous_low_coverage verdict or batch behavior. Annotations already indicate safety (read-only, idempotent), so the description provides moderate additional value.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single sentence, front-loading the key functionality. Every word is impactful with no redundancy. It is well-structured for quick comprehension.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
While the description explains the main output, it lacks details on batch processing (mentioned in the read parameter description), the meaning of the PASS/ambiguous_low_coverage verdicts, and the interplay between read and fileBase64 parameters. Given the tool's complexity (5 parameters, batch mode), the description could be more comprehensive.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema already has 100% coverage with descriptions for all 5 parameters. The tool description adds no parameter-specific details beyond the schema. Therefore, it does not enhance parameter understanding beyond the baseline expected from the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the action ('Align'), the input type ('Sanger ABIF read'), the reference, and the output ('report identity plus every mismatch, insertion and deletion'). This distinguishes it from sibling tools like parse_sanger_trace which only extracts data without alignment, and pairwise_alignment which is for general sequences.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description does not provide explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as pairwise_alignment or batch. It implicitly targets Sanger reads, but no explicit when-not or alternative recommendations. Thus, it lacks proactive usage guidance.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
save_permalinkSave a permanent shareable linkARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Run a registered tool and save its (arguments, result) pair under a short permanent code that anyone with the link can view read-only (/permalink/{code}) — no account, no expiry. Use this to cite or share a specific result (e.g. a verify_construct or verify_assembly check) rather than re-pasting it.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| args | Yes | Arguments for that tool, exactly as you would pass to it directly. | |
| tool | Yes | Name of the registered tool to run and save (e.g. "verify_construct"). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
The description says 'Save a permanent shareable link' and 'Run a registered tool and save its (arguments, result) pair', implying a side effect (writing a permalink). However, the annotation readOnlyHint=true indicates no side effects. This is a clear contradiction between the description and annotations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences: first explains functionality, second provides usage guidance. No wasted words, well front-loaded, and earns its place.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Despite the annotation contradiction, the description itself is complete for a simple tool: it explains what the tool does, how to use it, and the result (a permalink with given format, read-only, no expiry). It covers the necessary context without needing an output schema.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% so baseline is 3. The description adds helpful context: 'exactly as you would pass to it directly' for args and gives an example for tool, clarifying usage beyond the schema's minimal descriptions.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool runs a registered tool and saves the argument-result pair as a permalink, which is a specific verb-resource combination. It distinguishes itself from sibling tools that perform specific analyses, as this is a meta-tool for sharing results.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explicitly says 'Use this to cite or share a specific result (e.g. a verify_construct or verify_assembly check) rather than re-pasting it.' This provides a clear when-to-use scenario. However, it does not explicitly state when not to use it, though the implication is clear.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
seqfile_statsFASTA/FASTQ StatsARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Statistics for a FASTA or FASTQ file: count, length distribution, N50, GC content and (FASTQ) mean quality.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| input | Yes | FASTA or FASTQ text (raw sequence is treated as single-record FASTA). | |
| qualityOffset | No | FASTQ Phred ASCII offset (33 = Sanger/Illumina 1.8+, 64 = Illumina 1.3–1.7). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and idempotentHint=true, indicating safe, non-destructive behavior. The description adds context about the outputs but does not contradict annotations. With annotations covering safety, a 3 is appropriate.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Single sentence with a clear list of outputs. No extraneous words, highly efficient.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Tool has few parameters and no output schema; description lists all computed statistics. However, it does not specify the return format (e.g., dictionary) or constraints like input size limits, leaving minor ambiguity.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, and the parameter descriptions (input handling, qualityOffset enum) are already comprehensive. The tool description adds no additional parameter-specific meaning beyond what the schema provides.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Description explicitly lists computed statistics (count, length distribution, N50, GC content, mean quality) for FASTA/FASTQ files, clearly distinguishing from siblings like gc_content (which only computes GC content) and fastq_qc_report (which is broader).
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No guidance on when to use this tool vs alternatives such as fastq_qc_report or gc_content. The description mentions FASTA/FASTQ but does not specify prerequisites, limitations, or cases where another tool would be more appropriate.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
sequence_fetchFetch sequence by accessionARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Fetch a public DNA/protein record by accession from NCBI Nucleotide, NCBI Protein, UniProt, or Ensembl (e.g. NM_000546, NP_000537, P04637, ENSG00000141510). Only the accession is sent upstream. Use sequence_search first if you only know a gene/organism name, not an accession. For an Ensembl transcript ID this returns spliced cDNA; for a gene ID it returns the full genomic locus (introns included) — Ensembl's own default for each ID type.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| db | No | Database to query; auto-detects from the accession format. | auto |
| format | No | Output format (GenBank is only available for NCBI accessions — UniProt and Ensembl are FASTA-only). | fasta |
| accession | Yes | GenBank/RefSeq accession (e.g. NM_000546), UniProtKB accession (e.g. P04637), or Ensembl stable ID (e.g. ENSG00000141510, ENST00000335137). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already indicate read-only and idempotent behavior. The description adds valuable behavioral context, such as 'Only the accession is sent upstream' (privacy) and the detailed behavior for Ensembl IDs (spliced cDNA vs. genomic locus). No contradiction with annotations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is three sentences, each earning its place: main purpose with examples, privacy note, and usage guidance with Ensembl nuance. Front-loaded and efficiently written without redundancy.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a tool with 3 parameters and no output schema, the description covers core behavior, databases, usage scenario, and a special case for Ensembl. It is sufficiently complete given the annotations and schema richness.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3. The description adds extra meaning beyond the schema by explaining that 'auto' db detects from format and that GenBank format is only available for NCBI. This enhances parameter understanding.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's verb ('Fetch'), resource ('DNA/protein record'), and scope ('by accession from NCBI Nucleotide, NCBI Protein, UniProt, or Ensembl'), with concrete examples. It also distinguishes itself from the sibling 'sequence_search' by specifying the precondition of having an accession.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explicitly advises to use 'sequence_search' if only a gene/organism name is known instead of an accession, providing clear when-to-use and when-not-to-use guidance.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
sequence_format_convertSequence Format ConverterARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Convert between FASTA and GenBank (whole sequence, CDS or protein), or export to TSV.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | No | Output format. fasta-cds / fasta-protein extract CDS features (GenBank input only). | fasta |
| from | No | Input format; 'auto' sniffs it from the first meaningful line. | auto |
| input | Yes | A FASTA or GenBank record to convert. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and idempotentHint=true, indicating safe, idempotent behavior. The description adds no contradictions and accurately reflects the conversion nature. However, it does not disclose additional context like input size limits or error handling.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single concise sentence with 15 words, front-loading the key action and format options. Every word earns its place.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple conversion tool with full schema coverage and safety annotations, the description provides adequate information. It covers the main purpose and format variants, though lacks details on edge cases or error conditions.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
With 100% schema coverage, the schema describes parameters. The description adds value by clarifying the 'to' enum options (fasta-cds, fasta-protein) correspond to CDS and protein extraction, which goes beyond the schema descriptions.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool converts between FASTA and GenBank formats (whole sequence, CDS, or protein) and exports to TSV, which is specific and distinguishes it from sibling tools like format_sequence that may handle display formatting.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description does not provide explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives, nor does it mention exclusions or prerequisites. The usage is implied by the name and description but not spelled out.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
sequence_reportSequence reportARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
One-click DNA analysis: composition, ORFs, restriction-enzyme scan (single cutters) and end-primer Tm composed into a single report with a copyable text block.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| maxOrfs | No | Maximum number of ORFs to return, longest first. | |
| minOrfAa | No | Minimum ORF length in amino acids. | |
| sequence | Yes | Nucleotide sequence (raw or FASTA; IUPAC accepted). | |
| endPrimerLength | No | Length of the naive end primers taken from each end. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and idempotentHint=true, covering safety. The description adds that the output is a 'copyable text block', but no additional behavioral traits beyond what annotations provide.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single sentence that effectively front-loads the core value proposition. It is concise but slightly long; each clause serves a purpose without unnecessary words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The description lists all major components of the report and mentions the output format (copyable text block). Given the lack of an output schema, this is adequate. However, limitations like sequence length are not covered, but the tool is fairly complete for its scope.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so the input schema already documents all parameters. The description does not add significant new meaning beyond contextualizing the components of the report, but that does not improve parameter understanding.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool performs a 'one-click DNA analysis' generating a combined report with composition, ORFs, restriction-enzyme scan, and end-primer Tm. This specific verb+resource distinguishes it from sibling tools that perform only individual analyses.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage for a quick combined analysis, but does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives like individual analysis tools. No when-not or alternative naming is provided.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
sequence_searchSearch sequence databases by nameARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Resolve a gene/organism name — or a raw NCBI search term — to candidate accessions, instead of guessing one. Returns up to maxResults hits (accession, title, organism); pass the accession you want to sequence_fetch.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| db | No | nucleotide | |
| gene | No | Gene symbol/name, e.g. "BRCA1". Combined with organism (if given) into a search term. | |
| term | No | Raw NCBI search term (advanced) — overrides gene/organism when given, e.g. "BRCA1[gene] AND Homo sapiens[orgn]". | |
| organism | No | Organism name, e.g. "Homo sapiens". Optional; narrows the gene search. | |
| maxResults | No | Up to 20. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations indicate readOnlyHint and idempotentHint, and the description adds behavioral context: returns up to maxResults hits with specific fields (accession, title, organism) and that the term parameter overrides gene/organism. No contradictions.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences, front-loaded with the core purpose and followed by actionable return details and workflow. Every sentence earns its place with no redundancy.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The description covers the return format and parameter interaction adequately. Without an output schema, it provides enough information for an agent to understand what to expect. It could mention the specific databases but is sufficient.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 80%, and the description adds the key semantic that 'term' overrides 'gene' and 'organism', which is not fully captured in the schema. This adds useful meaning beyond the schema's parameter descriptions.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's purpose: resolving a gene/organism name or raw NCBI search term to candidate accessions, and distinguishes it from sequence_fetch by instructing to pass the resulting accession to that sibling tool.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides explicit usage guidance: use this tool instead of guessing an accession, and then pass the accession to sequence_fetch. It contrasts with the sibling tool sequence_fetch, but does not explicitly exclude other siblings.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
sequencing_readback_verifySequencing read-back verificationARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Align raw Sanger or NGS reads (FASTA or FASTQ) back onto a claimed reference sequence using minimap2, and report per-read mapping identity plus exact variant positions (substitutions/insertions/deletions), with a consensus view across reads and a corrected consensus sequence (the reference with every consensus-supported edit applied). Complements verify_construct/verify_assembly: those re-derive what a design SHOULD produce from its own stated inputs; this checks what a real sequencer actually read back.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| reads | Yes | Raw reads in FASTA or FASTQ format (auto-detected). Up to 2000 reads / 5,000,000 total bp per call. | |
| reference | Yes | The claimed/expected reference sequence. | |
| minSupportingReads | No | Minimum number of reads agreeing on a variant position for it to count as a consensus (candidate real) variant rather than single-read noise. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already indicate readOnlyHint=true and idempotentHint=true. The description adds behavioral details about using minimap2, read limits (2000 reads / 5M bp), and the output (consensus view, corrected sequence). No contradiction with annotations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is three well-structured sentences. The primary purpose is front-loaded, followed by contrasting sibling tools. Every sentence adds value without repetition or unnecessary detail.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool has 3 parameters, full schema coverage, and no output schema, the description adequately explains the tool's function, input constraints, output types, and relationship to siblings. It covers all necessary contextual information.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%—all three parameters have descriptions in the schema. The description does not add extra semantics beyond what the schema provides (e.g., examples, formatting guidance). Baseline score of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states that the tool aligns reads to a reference using minimap2, reports per-read mapping identity and variant positions, and produces a consensus corrected sequence. It explicitly distinguishes from sibling tools verify_construct and verify_assembly by contrasting their purposes.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description directly addresses when to use this tool versus alternatives: 'Complements verify_construct/verify_assembly: those re-derive what a design SHOULD produce... this checks what a real sequencer actually read back.' This provides clear guidance on selection.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
session_createCreate a design sessionAInspect
Start a scratch session that holds several named sequences/values (e.g. vector, insert, forward/reverse primer) for use across multiple tool calls via session_run, instead of re-pasting them into every call. Sessions expire after 24 hours.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| entries | No | Initial named entries, e.g. {"vector": "...", "insert": "..."}. Optional — you can also add entries later with session_set. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
The description adds critical behavioral context beyond annotations: sessions expire after 24 hours. Annotations only provide readOnlyHint=false, so no contradiction; this is transparent about a key limitation.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two concise sentences, front-loaded with the core action, no redundant information. Every sentence adds value.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple tool with one optional parameter and no output schema, the description fully covers purpose, usage, and behavior (including expiration), making it complete for effective use.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% (one parameter described in schema), baseline 3. The description enhances meaning by providing an example usage (vector, insert) and noting that entries can be added later via session_set, adding practical value.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool starts a scratch session to hold named sequences/values for reuse across multiple calls via session_run, distinguishing it from related tools by emphasizing the session concept and its purpose.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explains when to use the tool (to avoid re-pasting values) and mentions a sibling (session_run), but does not explicitly state when not to use it or mention alternatives like session_set.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
session_getRead a design sessionARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Fetch named entries from a session. Prefer session_run for actually USING the values — it keeps raw sequences out of your context. Use this mainly to inspect or debug what a session currently holds.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| names | No | Only return these entries; omit to return all of them. | |
| sessionId | Yes |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already indicate read-only and idempotent behavior. The description adds useful context that entries are fetched for inspection/debugging, enhancing transparency without contradicting annotations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is two sentences, concise and front-loaded with the primary action, no redundant information.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple read-only tool with 2 parameters and no output schema, the description covers purpose, usage, and filtering behavior. Minor gap: no explanation of sessionId context, but siblings provide general session understanding.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema covers 50% of parameters with descriptions (names). The description mentions 'named entries' but does not explain sessionId or add format details beyond the schema. Baseline score appropriate given partial coverage.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The title 'Read a design session' and description 'Fetch named entries from a session' clearly state the verb and resource. The description further distinguishes from siblings like session_run by specifying 'inspect or debug' use case.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Description explicitly advises preferring session_run for using values and restricts usage of this tool to inspection/debug, providing clear when-to-use and when-not-to-use guidance.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
session_runRun a tool using session entriesAInspect
Run any SeqBench tool, resolving selected arguments from a session's named entries instead of pasting them inline, and optionally store selected result fields back into the session by name. This is the main way to chain a multi-part design (vector + insert + primers) across calls without shuttling raw sequences through your own context.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| args | No | Additional literal arguments, merged with the ones resolved from the session. | |
| tool | Yes | Name of any non-meta SeqBench tool (not batch, workflow, or another session_* tool). | |
| sessionId | Yes | ||
| writeBack | No | Map of { resultFieldName: sessionEntryName } — stores selected fields of the result back into the session under these names. | |
| fromSession | No | Map of { toolArgName: sessionEntryName } — resolves each named tool argument from the session before running. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations indicate mutation (readOnlyHint=false) and no idempotency. Description adds details on how arguments are resolved from session and optional write-back of results, which clarifies behavior beyond annotations. No contradiction.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two-sentence description that is concise and front-loaded: first sentence explains mechanism, second gives typical use case. No unnecessary words, efficient for agent understanding.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given complexity of a meta-tool with 5 parameters and no output schema, description provides a solid overview of purpose and mechanism. Could mention error handling or required permissions, but adequately covers the main workflow.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema provides 80% parameter descriptions. Description adds context by explaining the chaining use case and how fromSession/writeBack work, giving meaning beyond raw schema. For sessionId, schema lacks description but description implies its role in session identification.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Clearly states verb 'Run', resource 'SeqBench tool', and explains core feature of resolving arguments from session entries. Differentiates from other tools by describing it as the main chaining method and specifying it applies to non-meta tools.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Explicitly states when to use: for chaining multi-part designs without shuttling raw sequences. Implies alternatives (inline pasting) but does not explicitly list when not to use or alternative tools. Good context but could be more precise.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
session_setWrite to a design sessionBInspect
Add or overwrite named entries in an existing session.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| entries | Yes | Named entries to add/overwrite, e.g. {"insert": "..."}. | |
| sessionId | Yes |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
The description confirms the mutating nature of the tool ('add or overwrite') consistent with readOnlyHint=false. It adds context that operations apply to an 'existing session', but does not disclose side effects beyond overwriting, nor permissions or error scenarios. Annotations already cover basic behavioral traits.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, efficient sentence with no extraneous information. Every word is necessary to convey the core action and context.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's complexity (mutation with nested object parameter, no output schema), the description is too brief. It omits important details like return value, error behavior when the session does not exist, and a fuller explanation of the entries structure. The high number of sibling tools also demands more context for differentiation.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 50% (only entries has a description). The description adds minimal value by mentioning 'named entries', but does not explain the sessionId parameter or clarify the entries format beyond the schema's example. It insufficiently compensates for the missing schema description.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description uses a specific verb ('Add or overwrite') and resource ('named entries in an existing session'), making the tool's purpose clear. It distinguishes from sibling tools like session_create, session_get, and session_run by focusing on writing to an existing session.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives, such as session_create or session_run. It does not mention prerequisites (session must exist) or situations where this tool should not be used.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
sirna_designsiRNA / shRNA DesignerARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Design siRNA duplexes against an mRNA target using the established Reynolds (2004) 8-criteria score and the Ui-Tei (2004) rules, plus a siDirect-style seed-duplex Tm off-target flag (≥21.5 °C). Returns ranked candidates with sense/guide oligos (with UU 3' overhangs) and, per candidate, a ready shRNA cassette (sense–loop–antisense–Pol III terminator). Heuristic sequence rules only — no RNA-folding accessibility model and no transcriptome-wide off-target search.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| target | Yes | Nucleotide sequence (raw or FASTA; IUPAC accepted). | |
| shRnaLoop | No | Loop sequence used when assembling the shRNA cassette. | TTCAAGAGA |
| minReynolds | No | Minimum Reynolds score (0–8) to keep; falls back to best-ranked if none qualify. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
The description adds significant behavioral context beyond annotations: specific scoring methods, return of ranked candidates with sense/guide oligos and shRNA cassette, and explicit exclusions. Annotations (readOnlyHint, idempotentHint) are consistent and the description complements them.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two compact sentences that front-load the core functionality and methods, then state limitations. Every sentence adds value with no redundancy.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The description covers what the tool returns (ranked candidates, oligos, shRNA cassette) and its limitations. With no output schema, this is sufficient. Could mention behavior on invalid input or zero candidates, but overall adequate.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so parameters are already documented. The description provides general context (e.g., target as mRNA, minReynolds fallback) but doesn't significantly augment the schema descriptions. Baseline 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool designs siRNA duplexes against an mRNA target using specific established methods (Reynolds, Ui-Tei, siDirect). It distinguishes itself from sibling tools like aso_design and crispr_grna_design by specifying its focus on siRNA/shRNA.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explicitly mentions what the tool does (heuristic sequence rules) and what it does not (RNA-folding accessibility, transcriptome-wide off-target search), guiding appropriate use cases. However, it could more directly contrast with alternative tools for advanced siRNA design.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
site_directed_mutagenesisSite-directed mutagenesis designerARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Design site-directed mutagenesis primers (QuikChange overlapping or Q5 back-to-back) for a nucleotide substitution or an amino-acid codon swap.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| mgMM | No | Divalent cation [Mg2+] (mM). | |
| naMM | No | Monovalent cation [Na+]/[K+] (mM). | |
| style | No | Mutagenic primer style. | quikchange |
| dntpMM | No | Total [dNTP] (mM), chelates Mg2+. | |
| newBase | No | Replacement base (editKind='nt'). | |
| oligoNM | No | Total strand concentration (nM). | |
| residue | No | 1-based residue number to change (editKind='aa'). | |
| editKind | No | Edit at the nucleotide or amino-acid level. | aa |
| organism | No | Codon-usage table for choosing the new codon (editKind='aa'). | ecoli |
| position | No | 1-based position to substitute (editKind='nt'). | |
| targetAa | No | Target amino acid, one-letter code incl '*' (editKind='aa'). | |
| template | Yes | Nucleotide sequence (raw or FASTA; IUPAC accepted). | |
| frameStart | No | 1-based position of the first base of codon 1 (editKind='aa'). | |
| armTmTarget | No | Target Tm (°C) for each template-binding arm. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint and idempotentHint, indicating safe read-only behavior. The description adds design method details but does not disclose output format, prerequisites, or limitations beyond what annotations provide.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, front-loaded sentence that conveys the core purpose without waste. Every word serves a function.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the 14 parameters and no output schema, the description adequately summarizes the tool's function. However, it could be more complete by mentioning the output format (e.g., primer sequences, Tm) to fully guide the agent.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Parameter descriptions in the schema cover 100% of parameters, so the description adds little new semantic meaning. It mentions the two primer styles and edit types, which are already captured in enums, providing marginal extra value.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description explicitly states the tool designs site-directed mutagenesis primers for QuikChange or Q5 back-to-back styles, for nucleotide substitution or amino-acid codon swap. This clearly differentiates it from sibling tools like primer_design, which handles general primer design.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description does not provide explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as primer_design. While it implies usage for mutagenesis primer design, it lacks when-not-to-use or alternative recommendations.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
translateTranslateARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Translate a nucleotide sequence to protein (single frame or all six frames; standard code).
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| frame | No | ||
| toStop | No | Stop at the first stop codon. | |
| sequence | Yes | Nucleotide sequence (raw or FASTA; IUPAC accepted). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations declare readOnly and idempotent hints; description adds behavioral context about translation frames and standard code, going beyond the structured data.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Single sentence with no wasted words, effectively communicates core purpose.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a 3-parameter tool without output schema, the description covers input and purpose but omits output format (e.g., protein sequence string) and does not resolve the mismatch about all six frames.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The description adds meaning beyond the schema (e.g., frames, standard code) but contradicts the schema by mentioning 'all six frames' when the schema only allows frame parameters 1, 2, or 3.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the action (translate), input (nucleotide sequence), output (protein), and options (single frame or all six frames). It distinguishes from sibling tools like reverse_translate.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description mentions single vs. all six frames but does not provide explicit guidance on when to use this tool over alternatives like reverse_translate.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
variant_annotateVariant AnnotatorARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
One-box variant lookup against MyVariant.info: accepts an rsID, chrom:pos:ref:alt, genomic HGVS ("chr17:g.7676154G>C"), or transcript HGVS c. ("NM_000546.6:c.215C>G" / "TP53:c.215C>G", bridged via the hgvs_convert tool). Returns a ClinVar significance summary, gnomAD exome/genome allele frequencies, and CADD/SIFT/PolyPhen2/REVEL pathogenicity predictor scores — each section explicitly null when that source has no data, never silently omitted. See the result's own "caveats" for real data-freshness limits (frozen gnomAD/CADD snapshots, periodic ClinVar snapshot).
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| variant | Yes | An rsID ("rs1042522"), chrom:pos:ref:alt ("17:7676154:G:C", single-base substitutions only), genomic HGVS ("chr17:g.7676154G>C" or "17:g.7676154G>C"), or transcript HGVS c. ("NM_000546.6:c.215C>G" or "TP53:c.215C>G"). | |
| assembly | No | Genome build for rsID/chrom-pos-ref-alt/genomic-HGVS lookups (MyVariant.info's native default is hg19). Ignored for transcript "c." input, which is always bridged via GRCh38/hg38 (hgvs_convert's own coordinate space). | hg19 |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and idempotentHint=true. The description adds that missing data is explicitly null (never silently omitted) and directs users to a 'caveats' section for data freshness. No contradiction with annotations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Single paragraph with logical flow: purpose, input formats, output content, and data handling. No redundant sentences, but could be slightly more streamlined by separating input and output into bullet points. Still very efficient.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no output schema, the description covers key results (fields returned) and behavior (null handling, caveats). It is sufficient for a read-only lookup tool. Lacks specification of pagination or limits, but these are likely unnecessary.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with descriptions for both parameters. The description enhances the 'variant' parameter by enumerating all accepted formats with examples and clarifies the assembly parameter's behavior depending on input type. This adds meaningful context beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Clearly states it is a variant lookup tool returning annotations from MyVariant.info. Lists all accepted input formats (rsID, chrom:pos:ref:alt, genomic HGVS, transcript HGVS) and output content (ClinVar, gnomAD, pathogenicity scores). Distinguishes itself from sibling tools like hgvs_convert and variant_comparator through explicit input format handling and output scope.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Provides clear context that this is a single-variant lookup tool and mentions the need to use hgvs_convert for transcript HGVS inputs. However, it does not explicitly state when to avoid this tool or mention alternatives for comparing variants, though sibling names imply differentiation.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
variant_comparatorVariant ComparatorBRead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Align a query to a reference and call variants (substitutions, insertions, deletions) in HGVS g. notation, with optional coding effects.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| query | Yes | Query / variant sequence (raw or FASTA). | |
| coding | No | Treat as a coding sequence and report amino-acid effects. | |
| reference | Yes | Reference / wild-type sequence (raw or FASTA). | |
| frameStart | No | 1-based reading-frame start (used when coding is true). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and idempotentHint=true, indicating the tool is safe and deterministic. The description adds that the tool produces variant calls in HGVS g. notation, which is consistent. However, it does not disclose details about alignment type (global/local), handling of reverse complement, or performance characteristics. The description does not contradict annotations, but it adds minimal behavioral context beyond what annotations provide.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single sentence of 28 words that efficiently conveys the core functionality. It is front-loaded with the primary actions (align and call variants) and includes key output details (HGVS g. notation, optional coding effects). No extraneous information is present, and the structure is optimal for quick scanning.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The description lacks important context such as the expected output format (list of variant objects vs. string), whether the alignment is global or local, and details about parameter interactions (e.g., frameStart only used when coding is true). No output schema is provided, so the description should compensate, but it does not fully address the return values or behavioral constraints. Given the tool's complexity (4 parameters, 2 required), the description is incomplete for effective agent use.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 100%, so all parameters have descriptions in the input schema. The tool description adds only the context of 'HGVS g. notation' and 'coding effects,' which aligns with the 'coding' parameter. No additional parameter semantics are provided beyond the schema. According to the guidelines, baseline is 3 when coverage is high, and the description does not exceed that bar.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's purpose: aligning a query to a reference and calling variants (substitutions, insertions, deletions) in HGVS g. notation, with optional coding effects. The verb 'align' and 'call variants' combined with the resource (query vs reference) and output format (HGVS g. notation) make the purpose unambiguous. This tool is distinct from sibling tools like 'pairwise_alignment' (which only aligns) and 'hgvs_convert' (which converts notation), as it generates variant calls.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description does not provide explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. Sibling tools such as 'pairwise_alignment' or 'variant_annotate' are not mentioned, and no conditions or exclusions are given. Users must infer from the purpose when to choose this tool, which is insufficient for effective agent decision-making.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
verify_assemblyVerify a full assembly recipeARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Deterministic self-check: given the same method/parts cloning_simulate would use (restriction-ligation, Gibson, or Golden Gate — optionally deriving a part by in-silico PCR first), re-derive the expected WHOLE product and diff it against a claimed final sequence. Returns pass/fail plus the exact position and nature of any discrepancy — not an opinion, the same deterministic simulation SeqBench already runs, run a second time as a check. See verify_construct for a narrower, insert-only check that doesn't require declaring the vector/enzymes/method.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| names | No | Optional labels for each fragment. | |
| coding | No | Report amino-acid effects of any mismatch, assuming claimedConstruct is (or contains) a coding sequence. | |
| enzyme | No | Type IIS enzyme for Golden Gate. | BsaI |
| insert | No | Insert sequence (restriction method). Omit if insertPcr is given. | |
| method | Yes | Assembly method used. | |
| vector | No | Vector sequence (restriction method). Omit if vectorPcr is given. | |
| enzyme3 | No | 3′ enzyme (restriction method). | BamHI |
| enzyme5 | No | 5′ enzyme (restriction method). | EcoRI |
| circular | No | Treat the product/claimed construct as circular (most plasmids are). | |
| fragments | No | Fragments (5′→3′), assembled head-to-tail (gibson/goldengate). Use "" as a placeholder for any fragment supplied instead via the matching fragmentPcrs[i]. | |
| insertPcr | No | Derive the insert by PCR instead: {template, forwardPrimer, reversePrimer, maxMismatches?, circular?}. | |
| vectorPcr | No | Derive the vector by PCR instead: {template, forwardPrimer, reversePrimer, maxMismatches?, circular?}. | |
| frameStart | No | 1-based reading-frame start on claimedConstruct, used when coding is true. | |
| overlapLen | No | Gibson homology-arm length (bp). | |
| armTmTarget | No | Target annealing Tm (°C) for primer arms. | |
| fragmentPcrs | No | Parallel to fragments, same length: null (or omit) to use fragments[i] directly, or a PCR spec {template, forwardPrimer, reversePrimer, maxMismatches?, circular?} to derive that fragment instead. | |
| claimedConstruct | Yes | The sequence you claim you ended up with. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint and idempotentHint. The description adds that it is deterministic, re-derives the expected product, and returns pass/fail with exact discrepancy details. It also emphasizes it's not an opinion, adding confidence.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is three sentences, each serving a distinct purpose: stating the function, describing the output, and directing to an alternative. No unnecessary words; front-loaded with core purpose.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a complex tool with 17 parameters, nested objects, and no output schema, the description explains the high-level behavior and output. It mentions supported assembly methods and optional PCR derivation. Could be slightly more specific about output structure, but sufficient.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with each parameter having a description. The tool description does not add significant new meaning beyond the schema, but it orients users to the overall logic (e.g., PCR derivation). Baseline 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool is a deterministic self-check for verifying a full assembly recipe by re-deriving the expected product and comparing to a claimed sequence. It explicitly distinguishes from the sibling tool verify_construct, which is a narrower insert-only check.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explains that this tool is for full assembly verification and references verify_construct as an alternative for simpler insert-only checks. It implies use after or alongside cloning_simulate but does not explicitly state when not to use it.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
verify_constructVerify a claimed constructARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Re-derive a construct's insert from the PCR (template + primers) claimed to have produced it, then check — independently of that claim — whether the expected insert actually appears (either orientation) in the claimed final construct, at what identity, and with exact mismatch positions if not. Optionally also checks for a premature stop in a declared reading frame. This re-derives from the claim's own stated inputs; it does not review the claim's prose.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| insertTemplate | Yes | PCR template the insert was amplified from. | |
| claimedConstruct | Yes | The final sequence claimed to have been built. | |
| templateCircular | No | Treat insertTemplate as circular (e.g. amplifying from a plasmid). | |
| expectedFrameStart | No | 1-based position in claimedConstruct where the intended reading frame begins. If given, flags a premature stop before the end of the aligned insert region. | |
| insertForwardPrimer | Yes | Forward primer used to amplify the insert, 5'→3'. | |
| insertReversePrimer | Yes | Reverse primer used to amplify the insert, 5'→3'. | |
| maxPrimerMismatches | No | Mismatches tolerated per primer during PCR prediction. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint and idempotentHint (safe, idempotent). The description adds valuable behavioral details: re-derives from PCR, checks insert appearance in either orientation, reports identity and mismatches, and optionally checks for premature stops. No contradictions with annotations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Three sentences with no waste: first sentence packs the core logic, second adds optional feature, third clarifies scope. Front-loaded with action verb and key details. Every sentence earns its place.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given 7 parameters with full schema descriptions and no output schema, the description adequately covers the verification method, optional frameshift check, and what it does not do (review prose). Missing explicit output format (e.g., identity, mismatches) but sufficient for a well-documented tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with descriptions for all 7 parameters. The description adds context beyond schema by mentioning orientation checking and premature stop detection, linking to parameters expectedFrameStart and primers. This exceeds the baseline 3 for high coverage.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description uses specific verbs ('re-derive', 'check') and identifies the exact resource (construct's insert from PCR inputs). It clearly distinguishes itself from siblings like verify_assembly by stating it does not review the claim's prose and re-derives from stated inputs.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage for verifying claimed constructs via PCR re-derivation but provides no explicit guidance on when not to use it or how it compares to alternatives like verify_assembly or cloning_simulate. Usage context is implied, not explicit.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
virtual_gelVirtual gelARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Predict restriction-digest fragment sizes and their gel migration positions against a chosen DNA ladder.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| ladder | No | DNA ladder to plot alongside the sample lane. | 1 kb |
| enzymes | No | Enzyme names to digest with. | |
| circular | No | Treat the sequence as circular (plasmid). | |
| sequence | Yes | Nucleotide sequence (raw or FASTA; IUPAC accepted). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and idempotentHint=true. The description adds behavioral context about predicting fragment sizes and gel positions. No contradictions. Could be improved by mentioning other behaviors like handling invalid sequences.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Single sentence, 13 words, front-loaded with the verb 'Predict'. No wasted words. Highly concise and efficient.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no output schema and 100% parameter coverage, the description explains the main output (fragment sizes and migration positions). Missing details about output format (plot vs. data) and assumption that sequence is DNA. Otherwise complete for a prediction tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, baseline 3. The description adds minimal parameter-specific value beyond what the schema provides. It mentions 'chosen DNA ladder' but the ladder parameter is already described with an enum. Does not elaborate on enzyme names or sequence format.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool predicts restriction-digest fragment sizes and gel migration positions against a DNA ladder. The verb 'predict' and specific resources distinguish it from sibling tools like 'restriction_sites' which only list sites.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage for simulating a gel from restriction digest but does not explicitly state when to use this tool over alternatives like 'restriction_sites' or 'double_digest'. No exclusions or alternative references are provided.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
volcano_plot_dataVolcano plot dataARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Validate a differential-expression table (gene, log2 fold-change, p-value/FDR) and compute -log10(p) plus up/down/non-significant counts at conventional default thresholds (|log2FC|>=1, p<=0.05), for the Volcano Plot visualization. Invalid rows (non-finite log2FC, or p-value outside (0,1]) are dropped and reported rather than failing the whole batch.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| rows | Yes | Differential expression rows, one per gene. |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
The description adds behavioral context beyond the annotations by explicitly stating that invalid rows are dropped and reported rather than causing failure. This complements the readOnlyHint and idempotentHint annotations, which already indicate safe, non-destructive operation.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is exceptionally concise—two sentences that front-load the main action and include necessary details about validation behavior. Every sentence adds value.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The tool has only one parameter and no output schema. The description covers input validation, thresholds, and error handling. It does not describe the output format, but given the simplicity of the tool and the presence of annotations, the description is nearly complete.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so the description is not required to explain parameters. However, it provides additional value by specifying the default thresholds (|log2FC|>=1, p<=0.05) used in the computation, which are not in the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description uses specific verbs ('Validate', 'compute') and clearly states the resource ('differential-expression table') and outputs ('-log10(p)', counts). It distinctly positions the tool for volcano plot data preparation, differentiating it from siblings.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explains when to use the tool (to prepare data for volcano plot visualization) and what it does, but does not explicitly state when not to use or mention alternatives. However, the sibling list contains no similar volcano-related tools, so the context is clear.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
web_searchSearch the webARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Search the live web (via Tavily) for information not covered by SeqBench's own tools — recent literature, protocols, vendor/reagent info, general facts. Returns a short synthesized answer (if available) plus ranked source snippets with URLs. This does not run any bioinformatics calculation itself; use the dedicated tools for that.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| query | Yes | The search query. | |
| max_results | No | Maximum number of results to return (default 5, max 10). |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and idempotentHint=true. Description adds that it returns a synthesized answer and source snippets with URLs. No contradictions. Additional behavioral details are helpful but not extensive.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences that are front-loaded with the core purpose and immediately provide usage guidance. No wasted words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's simplicity and the rich annotations, the description is fully complete. It explains the output format despite no output schema, and the context signals show only 2 simple params. All siblings are distinct bioinformatics tools, so no confusion.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so both parameters (query, max_results) are fully described in the schema. The description does not add extra meaning beyond what the schema provides, justifying the baseline score of 3.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
Description states 'Search the live web (via Tavily)' with specific use cases (recent literature, protocols, vendor/reagent info, general facts), clearly distinguishing from the many sibling bioinformatics tools.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Explicitly instructs when to use this tool and when not: 'This does not run any bioinformatics calculation itself; use the dedicated tools for that.' Also enumerates appropriate contexts.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
workflowBatch workflow (multi-tool pipeline)BRead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Run a multi-tool pipeline over many records. steps is an ordered list of { tool, args?, from? }; each step's chained sequence feeds the next by default. input is multi-FASTA or one sequence per line.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| input | Yes | Multi-FASTA or one sequence per line. | |
| steps | Yes |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations declare readOnlyHint=true and idempotentHint=true, but the description says 'Run a multi-tool pipeline' which hints at execution, creating ambiguity about side effects. The description adds no additional behavioral context (e.g., what gets destroyed, auth needs, rate limits). It does not clarify the read-only nature, and the term 'Run' may mislead.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Two sentences with no wasted words. The first sentence front-loads the purpose, the second provides key parameter details. Efficient and clear.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's complexity (multi-step pipeline), the description covers core behavior and basic parameter structure but omits error handling, failure behavior, output format, and edge cases. No output schema exists, so this gap is notable. Adequate but incomplete for a complex tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The description adds meaning beyond the schema: it explains that `steps` is an ordered list with structure { tool, args?, from? } and that chained sequences feed the next by default. This clarifies chaining behavior not present in the schema. Schema coverage is low (only `from` described), so description compensates partially.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states it 'Run[s] a multi-tool pipeline over many records', identifying the verb and resource. The title reinforces 'Batch workflow (multi-tool pipeline)'. However, it does not explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like individual analysis tools, though unique in being a pipeline runner.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explains that steps is an ordered list and that each step feeds the next, implying chaining behavior. It also specifies input format. No explicit when-to-use or when-not-to-use guidance or alternatives are mentioned, relying on the user to infer from sibling context.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Claim this connector by publishing a /.well-known/glama.json file on your server's domain with the following structure:
{
"$schema": "https://glama.ai/mcp/schemas/connector.json",
"maintainers": [{ "email": "your-email@example.com" }]
}The email address must match the email associated with your Glama account. Once published, Glama will automatically detect and verify the file within a few minutes.
Control your server's listing on Glama, including description and metadata
Access analytics and receive server usage reports
Get monitoring and health status updates for your server
Feature your server to boost visibility and reach more users
For users:
Full audit trail – every tool call is logged with inputs and outputs for compliance and debugging
Granular tool control – enable or disable individual tools per connector to limit what your AI agents can do
Centralized credential management – store and rotate API keys and OAuth tokens in one place
Change alerts – get notified when a connector changes its schema, adds or removes tools, or updates tool definitions, so nothing breaks silently
For server owners:
Proven adoption – public usage metrics on your listing show real-world traction and build trust with prospective users
Tool-level analytics – see which tools are being used most, helping you prioritize development and documentation
Direct user feedback – users can report issues and suggest improvements through the listing, giving you a channel you would not have otherwise
The connector status is unhealthy when Glama is unable to successfully connect to the server. This can happen for several reasons:
The server is experiencing an outage
The URL of the server is wrong
Credentials required to access the server are missing or invalid
If you are the owner of this MCP connector and would like to make modifications to the listing, including providing test credentials for accessing the server, please contact support@glama.ai.
Discussions
No comments yet. Be the first to start the discussion!