Substances or devices that increase or improve the quality, value, or extent of something. In biology, DNA sequences that increase gene expression.
From Old French 'enhaucier' meaning 'to raise up', from Latin 'altus' (high). The modern sense developed in the 16th century, with the biological meaning emerging in the 20th century.
In genetics, enhancers can work across vast distances on chromosomes, sometimes controlling genes millions of base pairs away - imagine a light switch that can turn on a bulb in another building! They're like molecular remote controls that can be activated by specific conditions.
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