def parse_fasta (lines):
    """Returns 2 lists: one is for the descriptions and other one for the sequences"""
    descs, seqs, data = [], [], ''
    for line in lines:
        if line.startswith('>'):
            if data:   # have collected a sequence, push to seqs
                seqs.append(data)
                data = ''
            descs.append(line[1:])  # Trim '>' from beginning
        else:
            data += line.rstrip('\r\n')
    # there will be yet one more to push when we run out
    seqs.append(data)
    return descs, seqs