serialize or convert array to strings?

[eluser]carvingCode[/eluser]
I'm curious what the thought is on storing array contents to the database?

I've most always converted the array to a string, stored it to the db, and then did the reverse on the way out. Have recently started using 'serialize/unserialize' to do the same.

Using these functions means a lot less overhead, in terms of code I need to maintain. But, my newness to using these functions has me curious if there's any drawbacks I need to know about?

TIA

Randy