To be able to replicate, the cell has to unfold and unwind the DNA, and also has to separate the two strands from each other. The cell has a complex machinery to perform these tasks. When it is time to replicate, special initiator proteins attach to the DNA at regions called replication origins.These regions are characterised by a weak bond between the two DNA strands.he cell has a complex machinery to perform these tasks. When it is time to replicate, special initiator proteins attach to the DNA at regions called replication origins. These regions are characterised by a weak bond between the two DNA strands.