Buckytubes: computer graphics representation of a group of graphitic carbon microtubules, of various lengths. These needles of carbon were discovered in the soot on the carbon electrodes used to synthesise fullerenes, the best-known of which is C60, Buckminsterfullerene. Within each individual sheet, the carbon molecules are arranged in a helical structure. Fullerene tubes may possess an extraordinary diversity of properties, from the strength of carbon fibres to the electronic nature of graphite. The giant fullerenes, C240 for example, may have buckytubes incorporated into their structures.