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The functional group of an alcohol is identified by the presence of an -OH group, known as a hydroxyl group. This group is a defining characteristic of alcohols and is responsible for many of their chemical properties. In organic chemistry, alcohols consist of a hydrocarbon chain that is attached to one or more hydroxyl groups, which can significantly influence the physical and chemical behaviors of the molecules.

The other groups mentioned in the options have different roles in organic compounds: the -NH2 group, known as an amine, is indicative of amino compounds; the -COOH group represents carboxylic acids, which are recognized for their acidic properties; and the -CHO group denotes aldehydes, which are characterized by a carbonyl group attached to a hydrogen atom. Each of these functional groups imparts distinct characteristics to the molecules they are part of, distinguishing them from alcohols, which specifically contain the hydroxyl group.