Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and methods for determining the nucleotide sequence of target nucleic acids using hybridization to arrays of oligonucleotides. The invention further provides apparatus and methods for identifying the amino acid sequence of peptides that bind to biologically active macromolecules, by specifically binding biologically active macromolecules to arrays of peptides or peptide mimetics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for performing a large number of reactions using array assembly. In particular, the present invention features a method and apparatus for performing a large number of chemical and biological reactions by bringing two arrays into close apposition and allowing reactants on the surfaces of two arrays to come into contact. The present invention is exemplified by performing a large number of polynucleotide amplification reactions using array assembly. In addition, the present invention features a method and apparatus for coupling the amplification of polynucleotides and the detection of sequence variations, expression levels, and functions thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for fabricating solid supports. More specifically, the present invention features methods for fabricating solid supports for in situ synthesis and for carrying out large numbers of reactions. The present invention also features solid supports with in situ synthesized long polynucleotides.