The pairing of complementary bases in DNA (through hydrogen bonding) means that the information contained within each strand is redundant. Phosphodiester (intra-strand) bonds are stronger than hydrogen (inter-strand) bonds. The actual job of the phosphodiester bonds is where in DNA polymers connect the 5' carbon atom of one nucleotide to the 3' carbon atom of another nucleotide, while the hydrogen bonds stabilize DNA double helices across the helix axis but not in the direction of the axis.[19] This makes it possible to separate the strands from one another. The nucleotides on a single strand can therefore be used to reconstruct nucleotides on a newly synthesized partner strand.[20]

Sure, let's break down the information step by step:

1. Complementary Base Pairing: In DNA, the bases on one strand pair with complementary bases on the opposite strand through hydrogen bonds. This means that each strand contains all the information needed to reconstruct the other strand.

2. Bond Strength: Phosphodiester bonds, which link the nucleotides within a single strand, are stronger than the hydrogen bonds that connect the two strands of the double helix.

3. Phosphodiester Bond Function: These bonds connect the 5' carbon atom of one nucleotide to the 3' carbon atom of the next nucleotide in the same strand. This creates a backbone for the DNA strand.

4. Hydrogen Bond Function: Hydrogen bonds stabilize the double helix structure by connecting complementary bases across the two strands. However, these bonds do not provide stability along the length of the helix.

5. Strand Separation: Because hydrogen bonds are weaker than phosphodiester bonds, the two strands of DNA can be separated from each other. This is crucial for processes like DNA replication and transcription.

6. Reconstruction of Strands: When the strands are separated, the sequence of nucleotides on one strand can be used as a template to synthesize a new complementary strand. This ensures that the genetic information is accurately copied.

By understanding these points, we can appreciate how the structure and bonding in DNA facilitate its function in storing and transmitting genetic information.