| name | benchos-cloning |
| description | Decision trees and workflows for molecular cloning in structural biology labs. Use when the user asks about LIC vs Gibson, construct design, tag strategy, codon optimization planning, multi-subunit assembly, or clone verification workflow. |
| license | Proprietary |
| compatibility | Requires BenchOS agent runtime with `labbook_cli` and the related BenchOS sequence-design/integration skills when execution is needed. |
| metadata | {"author":"benchos","version":"1"} |
| allowed-tools | labbook_cli |
BenchOS Cloning
Use this skill for cloning strategy and decision support. This is a guidance skill: it helps choose the expression system, cloning method, and validation path, then routes execution into the relevant BenchOS skills.
Core Rules
- Prefer LIC first for standard vector systems; switch to Gibson/HiFi when LIC fails or the construct demands it.
- For larger proteins or multi-subunit assemblies, bias toward insect-cell expression.
- For multi-subunit complexes, prefer a single-plasmid biGBac strategy when practical.
- Verification standard is strict: only 100% identity to the intended construct passes.
Routing
- For baculovirus workflow details, use
benchos-insect-cell.
- For codon optimization execution, use
benchos-codon-optimize.
- For plasmid-map parsing and encoded-protein extraction, use
benchos-snapgene.
- For sequencing retrieval, use
benchos-plasmidsaurus.
BenchOS Workflow
- Decide expression system from size, complexity, and precedent.
- Choose cloning method and tag placement.
- Decide whether the insert comes from PCR or synthesis.
- Verify the plasmid or final construct before recording it in BenchOS.
