Enhancers are sequences of DNA that increase the likelihood of transcription of a particular gene. They can be located far from the gene they regulate and interact with it through the three-dimensional structure of the DNA. Enhancers work by binding specific proteins called transcription factors, which help initiate the process of gene expression.
These regulatory elements play a crucial role in determining when and where genes are activated in an organism. By influencing gene expression, enhancers contribute to various biological processes, including development, cell differentiation, and response to environmental signals. Understanding enhancers is essential in fields like genetics and molecular biology.