Promoters are specialized proteins that help initiate the process of gene expression. They are located in specific regions of DNA, typically upstream of a gene, and serve as binding sites for RNA polymerase and other transcription factors. By facilitating the assembly of the transcription machinery, promoters play a crucial role in determining when and how much a gene is expressed. In the context of molecular biology, promoters can be classified into different types, such as core promoters and enhancers. Core promoters are essential for the basic transcription of a gene, while enhancers can increase the likelihood of transcription from a distance. Understanding promoters is vital for research in genetics and biotechnology.