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uniprot_search_subcellular_locations

Read-only

Search UniProt's subcellular-location vocabulary by name or definition to obtain SL-#### IDs. Enter a concept like 'membrane' or 'mitochondrion' to retrieve matching location terms.

Instructions

Search UniProt's controlled subcellular-location vocabulary (the SL-#### terms) by name or definition. Use this to discover a location ID from a concept; once you have the SL-#### ID, call uniprot_get_subcellular_location for its full record (definition, category, hierarchy, GO cross-references). Returns up to size matches, or an empty list if nothing matches. Examples: 'membrane', 'mitochondrion', 'cytoplasm'.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
sizeNoMaximum number of results to return; capped at 500 server-side.
queryYesFree-text to match against UniProt subcellular-location names, synonyms, and definitions, e.g. 'membrane', 'mitochondrion', 'cytoplasm'. Plain words, not a UniProtKB field query.
response_formatNo'markdown' (default) for a human-readable report with a provenance footer, or 'json' for a machine-parseable structured payload with the same data. Any other value is rejected.markdown

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
resultYes
Behavior5/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations declare readOnlyHint and openWorldHint. Description adds context: it searches by name/definition, returns matches, and the query is free-text (not UniProtKB field query). No contradictions; fully transparent.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Two concise sentences plus an example line. Front-loaded with purpose, no wasted words.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the clear annotations, complete schema, and existence of output schema (not shown but noted), the description provides all necessary context. References sibling for next step and explains response format options.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema covers all 3 parameters with descriptions. The description adds little beyond schema; for query it repeats examples, for size it says 'up to size matches' which is implied. With 100% coverage, baseline 3 is appropriate.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states it searches UniProt's controlled subcellular-location vocabulary by name or definition, with specific examples and differentiation from uniprot_get_subcellular_location.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines5/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

Explicitly tells when to use this tool ('discover a location ID from a concept') and when to use the sibling ('call uniprot_get_subcellular_location for its full record'). Also explains result behavior (up to size matches, empty list if none).

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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