DNA truncated octahedra. Molecular graphic of DNA truncated octahedra, a synthetic form of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) used to investigate the molecule's potential use in nanotechnology. Red spheres represent nucleotides, white spheres are bases. These molecules were made by scientists studying the unusual forms of DNA that exist temporarily during genetic recombination - the process that produces genetically unique sperm and egg cells. Each octahedron has 8 hexagonal faces and 6 square faces, with hairpins at the vertices. Nanotechnology is the construction of molecule- sized structures and components that could one day be used to build microscopic computers.