Which field combines biology and technology for research and development purposes?

Biotechnology is the field that uniquely combines biological sciences and technological innovation to develop new products and processes. It encompasses a wide range of applications, including genetic engineering, cell and tissue culture, and the development of pharmaceuticals, among others. This integration allows for the manipulation of living organisms or their components to create beneficial technologies and products.

In contrast, while genomics focuses specifically on the study of genomes and their functions, bioinformatics employs computer science and statistical methods to analyze biological data but does not itself create products or technologies directly. Molecular biology delves into the molecular mechanisms that dictate the behavior of biological systems but can be considered a subset of biotechnology rather than a distinct field in itself focused on the application of biology in conjunction with technology. Thus, biotechnology stands out as the most comprehensive and relevant term for the integration of biology and technology in research and development.