What problem does it solve? Planning a qPCR run by hand means error-prone volume math: scaling reactions for technical replicates, building mastermixes with dead volume, designing dilution-series standard curves, placing NTCs, and checking that every dispense fits the multichannel pipette range. This Skill turns a small JSON spec into a complete, validated pipetting sheet. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Deterministic volume calculations: Computes per-reaction, per-source-well, mastermix, template, dilution-series, and NTC volumes using the split-then-distribute recipe (oversized source wells split into 10 µL replicates), with reagent dead-volume headroom and pipette-increment rounding. - Plate layout generation: Produces a logical block-by-template map and a physical A1–H12 (8×12) source-plate assignment with PDF figures, plus multichannel range warnings (5–50 µL). - Flexible experiment designs: Supports primer pairs that skip the dilution series, multiple mastermixes per primer pair (e.g. commercial vs homemade SYBR), TaqMan 20× assays, and custom homemade mastermix recipes. - Use Case: You have 6 cDNA samples and 5 primer pairs to test, one of which also needs a standard curve under a second mastermix. Write the spec JSON, run the script, and get the full mastermix recipes, dilution series, NTCs, and a plate figure to confirm before pipetting. ## Quick Start Ask the assistant to plan a qPCR run with your samples and primer pairs, for example: "Plan a 3-replicate qPCR for 6 samples with these 4 primer pairs, 4-point 10-fold standard curves, and one NTC per block, then show me the plate map."
