BakR_D0mains is embarking on their next experiment on the Tezos blockchain -> We are trying to create the first blockchain-created protein!

Mint here: https://www.fxhash.xyz/generative/slug/codon-minter 

This feat will be accomplished by utilizing some pretty cool coding and smart contracts already available with Tezos, mixed with art and science.

First the science portion...
In the body, genes found in DNA are used to code enzymes through the process of transcription and translation. Essentially, DNA is read by RNA templating, and then the RNA gets read by a ribosome to put together different amino acids in a sequence to form a protein. The coding for each amino acid is found in 3-nucleotide groupings on the RNA. So, for example a codon sequence of cytosine (C)-guanine (G)-adenine (A) would code for a lysine amino acid, as shown below:

The entire genetic code can actually be determined through these codons, and it is well established in research labs. You can read more about genetic translation into proteins here: https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/translation-dna-to-mrna-to-protein-393/. 

Second, how does blockchain come into play?...
Generative NFTs have become a fun, lucrative, and exciting way to interact with smart contracts to assign random number generated images to a smart contract token. So, we have decided to utilize fx(hash) to mint and house our NFT project, as it is the leading platform and marketplace for truly generative art on wide scale. Furthermore, we are using a profile picture (pfp) template minter JavaScript code, created by PureSpider (yes, we're giving him credit because he's so freaking cool!), to create the rules that govern our CODON minter.

The NFT itself if pretty straightforward: each nucleoside structure was planned and drawn out for each position on the CODON minter, and different weights (through RNG) were assigned to layers to generate nucleotides of various rarities. For example, you can mint nucleosides with snowflake or galaxy art inclusions (see below left), or even mint a CODON with a diamond-encrusted sugar backbone (see below right)! 

Note: None of the NFTs are NOT pre-generated!! They are simply samples of the RNG-generated image possibilities. You can go to the CODON minter website right now and play around with the possibilities by click the "Variations" button. We have allowed infinite generations for interest!

Third, the minted CODONs will be the blueprint for a protein NFT!...
When you mint your CODON NFT on fx(hash) you will contribute that piece of "genetic code" to a 256-amino acid protein. Once all the CODONs have been minted, we will translate the sequence into a protein using the natural genetic code. We will then calculate the likely folding of this protein using molecular modeling to see what the protein will most like take shape. This structure will then be used as a guide to create a very limited run sequence of #MoleculART NFTs. EVERY wallet that owns a CODON Minter NFT will receive the final Protein NFT!

The final artistic expression of the protein is yet to be determined, but you can view some of our inspirational #MoleculART pieces on the TEIA, Rarible, and Versum marketplaces.

We can't wait to create the first blockchain-generated protein with your help!!

The mint opens on Friday, March 31, 2023, at 00:00:00 UTC. 

Only 256 CODON Minters will be issued

Mint here: https://www.fxhash.xyz/generative/slug/codon-minter 

For notes on creating a DeFi Tezos wallet and getting started with Tezos, read our previous articles here: Buying Your First Tezos (XTZ) NFT on Teia or Buying Your First Funny Flasks NFT on Rarible.

Donations to support the project can be sent to codon.tez
 

Important claims: I am not a financial advisor. Please do your own research before you invest any money. Crypto currency is not FDIC insured. SirLRonHODLer is the artist behind BakR d0mains on XTZ. I own an air fryer.