Core promoters are specific regions of DNA located near the start of a gene. They play a crucial role in initiating the process of transcription, where the information in a gene is copied into RNA. Core promoters contain essential elements, such as the TATA box, which help attract the necessary proteins, including RNA polymerase, to begin gene expression. These promoters are typically found upstream of the gene they regulate and can vary in their sequence and structure. The presence and arrangement of different elements within core promoters influence how effectively a gene is expressed, impacting various biological processes and functions in organisms.