DNA microarrays allow researchers to study gene expression patterns across thousands of genes simultaneously. Microarrays work by hybridizing fluorescently-labeled cDNA or cRNA to complementary DNA probes affixed to a solid surface, such as a glass slide. There are two main types of microarrays: cDNA microarrays where cDNA fragments are spotted onto glass slides, and in situ synthesized oligonucleotide arrays with short DNA sequences directly built onto chips. Microarrays have numerous applications including gene expression profiling, comparative genomics, disease diagnosis, drug discovery, and toxicology research.