scikit-bio

Process biological sequences, alignments, and diversity metrics via a Python API.

321|26|Updated Mar 10, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/mkurman/tamux --skill scikit-bio-mkurman
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: scikit-bio
Source: https://github.com/mkurman/tamux/tree/main/skills/scientific-skills/scikit-bio
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/mkurman/tamux --skill scikit-bio-mkurman

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Biological data analysis often requires integrating sequence processing, alignment, phylogenetics, diversity metrics, and flexible I/O. scikit-bio provides a cohesive Python API to perform these tasks in a single, interoperable toolkit.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Sequence Manipulation: handle DNA/RNA/protein data with read/write, translation, reverse-complement, and motif searching.
  • Alignment & Phylogenetics: perform pairwise/multiple alignments and build/compare trees.
  • Diversity & Ordination: compute alpha/beta diversity and run ordination analyses like PCoA, CCA, and RDA.
  • File I/O & Formats: read/write FASTA/FASTQ/Newick/BIOM and interoperate with QIIME 2 artifacts.

Quick Start

Process a sample FASTA file to compute basic diversity metrics.

Frequently Asked Questions about scikit-bio

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I compute alpha and beta diversity metrics from biological sequence data?

To compute alpha and beta diversity metrics, you use a Python bioinformatics toolkit that directly processes sequence data. It calculates ecological diversity metrics and performs ordination analyses such as PCoA, CCA, and RDA on biological data formats like BIOM.

What is the best way to process and manipulate DNA, RNA, and protein sequences in Python?

Processing DNA, RNA, and protein sequences in Python is handled through a comprehensive bioinformatics API. It enables sequence read/write, translation, reverse-complement operations, and motif searching within a single cohesive toolkit.

Can I read and write FASTA, FASTQ, Newick, and BIOM file formats for biological data analysis?

Yes, you can read and write FASTA, FASTQ, Newick, and BIOM file formats. The toolkit provides flexible I/O capabilities to ingest and export these standard biological data formats for downstream research and automation tasks.

Does scikit-bio interoperate with QIIME 2 artifacts for phylogenetics and alignment tasks?

Yes, scikit-bio interoperates with QIIME 2 artifacts. It supports building and comparing phylogenetic trees, performing pairwise and multiple alignments, and processing biological data for integration within broader workflows.

How do I perform ordination analyses like PCoA, CCA, and RDA on biological distance matrices?

Performing ordination analyses like PCoA, CCA, and RDA involves processing distance matrices through a Python-based bioinformatics API. The toolkit directly computes these ordination methods to analyze biological variation and diversity.

What Python bioinformatics libraries support both sequence manipulation and diversity analysis in one toolkit?

A Python bioinformatics library like scikit-bio supports both sequence manipulation and diversity analysis in one toolkit. It unifies sequence processing, phylogenetics, and ecological diversity computations within a single interoperable API.