Final answer:
The 3' end of a DNA strand is the end that has a free hydroxyl group (-OH).
Step-by-step explanation:
In a DNA strand, the 3' end refers to the end that has a free hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the 3' carbon of the sugar molecule.
On the other hand, the 5' end refers to the end that has a free phosphate group (-PO4) attached to the 5' carbon of the sugar molecule.