> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.kernel.asimov.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.kernel.asimov.com/kernel-ai/using-kernel-ai.md).

# Using Kernel AI

Get AI assistance for genetic design tasks and navigation.

## What is Kernel AI?

Kernel AI is an AI assistant that helps you:

* Navigate the Kernel interface
* Answer genetic design questions
* Find constructs and parts
* Explain biological concepts
* Assist with design decisions

## Accessing Kernel AI

### Sidebar

Click **Kernel AI** in the left sidebar to open the chat interface.

![Kernel AI Interface](https://847574487-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fb7pobj6kSB8KqNTnXBtj%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-76cd763249657d774cc64bcb6603334d7c507d76%2Fkernel-ai.png?alt=media)

### In-Editor

Click **AI** in the construct editor's right sidebar for context-aware assistance.

### Keyboard Shortcut

Press **Cmd/Ctrl + K** to quickly access Kernel AI.

## What You Can Ask

### Navigation

Ask Kernel AI to help you find things:

* "Take me to my recent constructs"
* "Find all promoters in my workspace"
* "Show me the CMV constructs"
* "Open the shared parts repository"

### Design Questions

Get help with genetic design:

* "What promoter should I use for high expression in CHO cells?"
* "Explain the difference between SV40 and BGH terminators"
* "How do I optimize this sequence for E. coli?"
* "What signal peptide works best for secretion?"

### Construct Information

Ask about your designs:

* "What parts are in this construct?"
* "Show me the sequence of the heavy chain"
* "What's the GC content of this region?"
* "Are there any HindIII sites?"

### Workflow Help

Get guidance on tasks:

* "How do I create a new construct?"
* "How do I share a repository?"
* "How do I run a simulation?"
* "How do I export as GenBank?"

## Example Conversations

### Finding Parts

**You**: Find all T7 promoters in my workspace

**Kernel AI**: I found 3 T7 promoter parts in your workspace:

1. T7-Promoter (in Team Parts)
2. T7-Strong-Promoter (in Expression Library)
3. T7-Lac-Promoter (in Inducible Parts)

Would you like me to open any of these?

### Design Advice

**You**: What's the best way to express an antibody in HEK293?

**Kernel AI**: For antibody expression in HEK293 cells, I recommend:

* CMV or EF1α promoter for strong expression
* IgK or native signal peptide for secretion
* BGH poly(A) for 3' UTR
* Consider dual-plasmid system for HC + LC

Would you like me to help you set up a construct with these elements?

### Navigation

**You**: Take me to the construct I was working on yesterday

**Kernel AI**: Based on your recent activity, you were working on:

* HC-Expression-v3 (modified 18 hours ago)
* LC-Optimized (modified 20 hours ago)

Which one would you like to open?

## Tips for Effective Use

### Be Specific

More specific questions get better answers:

* Instead of "help with my construct"
* Try "help me add a His-tag to the C-terminus of my protein"

### Provide Context

Include relevant details:

* The construct you're working on
* Your expression system
* What you're trying to achieve

### Ask Follow-ups

Continue the conversation:

* Ask for more details
* Request alternatives
* Get step-by-step guidance

## Capabilities

### What Kernel AI Can Do

* Search and navigate workspace content
* Explain genetic concepts
* Recommend parts and designs
* Guide you through workflows
* Answer questions about Kernel features

### Limitations

* Cannot modify constructs directly (you make the changes)
* Answers based on general knowledge and your workspace
* Complex designs may need expert review
* Experimental predictions should be validated

## Best Practices

### Design Assistance

* Use AI for initial guidance
* Verify recommendations
* Consider multiple approaches
* Validate critical designs

### Learning

* Ask "why" questions to learn
* Request explanations of concepts
* Explore alternatives

## Next Steps

* [Quick Start Guide](/getting-started/quick-start.md) — Get started with Kernel
* [Creating Constructs](/constructs/creating-constructs.md) — Design with AI help
* [Part Library](/parts/part-library.md) — Find parts AI recommends