The initial steps in gene expression are modeled below. Double-stranded DNA first unwinds into two strands. Which process and product are represented in Diagram 2?

The initiation of DNA replication occurs in two steps. First, a so-called initiator protein unwinds a short stretch of the DNA double helix. Then, a protein known as helicase attaches to and breaks apart the hydrogen bonds between the bases on the DNA strands, thereby pulling apart the two strands.