What are the differences between the 5' and 3' ends of DNA and how do these distinctions impact the overall structure and function of the molecule?

The 5' end of DNA has a phosphate group attached to the 5th carbon of the sugar molecule, while the 3' end has a hydroxyl group attached to the 3rd carbon. These differences impact the overall structure and function of DNA by determining the direction in which the DNA strand is read and synthesized during processes like replication and transcription. The 5' to 3' directionality is crucial for the accurate copying and expression of genetic information.