A hydroxyl group is a functional group in organic chemistry consisting of one oxygen atom bonded to one hydrogen atom, represented as -OH. It is commonly found in alcohols and phenols, where it contributes to the properties of these compounds, such as solubility in water and reactivity. Hydroxyl groups play a crucial role in various biological processes. For example, they are involved in the formation of hydrogen bonds, which are essential for the structure of DNA and proteins. The presence of hydroxyl groups can significantly influence the physical and chemical behavior of molecules in both natural and synthetic environments.