pemsley/coot/ncs
Claude Code and agent skill by pemsley/coot
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Checking that the SKILL.md file is still in the repository.
NCS Reference Guidance
Install
npx vskill@latest install pemsley/coot/ncsSKILL.md
Using NCS/Symmetry-Related Molecules as Reference
Overview
When building or rebuilding fragments, use the sequence and model from NCS-related (non-crystallographically related) or molecular symmetry-related molecules as a reference. If one copy is better built, use it to guide building of the other copies.
Why This Helps
- Multiple copies of the same molecule in the asymmetric unit should have identical sequences
- One copy may have better density or be more complete than others
- The better-built copy provides the correct sequence and approximate coordinates
Workflow: Compare Sequences First
Before building, compare sequences between related chains:
Using Better Chain as Template
If chain B is more complete, use it to guide chain A:
Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Don't assume "auto" gives correct residue type
add_terminal_residue(imol, chain, resno, "auto", 1)builds ALA by default- Always mutate to the correct sequence afterward
- Check for subtle differences
- GLY vs GLN both start with 'G' - compare 3-letter codes, not single letters
- Use
residue_name_py()not single-letter conversions for comparisons
- Verify after mutation
- Check density correlation after mutating
- Use
auto_fit_best_rotamer()to optimize side chain placement
Complete Example: Build Fragment Using NCS Reference
Using NCS Matrices to Copy Fragments
For more substantial rebuilding, you can copy entire fragments from one NCS copy to another using the NCS transformation matrix.
Step 1: Enable NCS Ghosts and Get the Matrix
Step 2: Copy Fragment from Reference Chain
Step 3: Apply NCS Transformation
Step 4: Change Chain ID and Replace Fragment
Step 5: Refine with Flanking Residues
Complete Function: NCS Fragment Copy
When to Use NCS Fragment Copy
- Large missing regions - faster than building residue-by-residue
- Poorly built regions - replace with better NCS copy
- After molecular replacement - one copy may fit better initially
- Symmetric assemblies - enforce consistency across copies
Key Takeaway
When multiple copies of the same molecule exist, use the better-built copy as a reference for sequence and model building. This ensures:
- Correct residue types (not default ALA)
- Consistent sequences across all copies
- Proper disulfide bonds and other features
For larger rebuilds, use the NCS matrix to transform and paste entire fragments - this is faster and more accurate than building from scratch.
Security
- Security scanPassed, 95 of 100Pattern checks on the skill's files.
- Model reviewPassed
Quality evaluation
- Task evaluationWarning, 77 of 100Marginal. 1 run. Evaluated 8 months ago.
Source
- SKILL.md in the repositoryCheckingmcp/docs/skills/NCS/SKILL.md
Popularity
- Repository stars
- 159
- Repository forks
- 60
- 7-day trend score
- 25
Stars and forks are for the whole GitHub repository, not this skill alone. Refreshed 18 Mar 2026, 7 months ago.
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