Final answer:
The statement is false because spiral and barred spiral galaxies do have significant dust and gas, and regions with ongoing star formation, especially along the spiral arms and central bars.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that spiral and barred spiral galaxies have very little dust and almost no star formation is false. Spiral and barred spiral galaxies are known to have considerable amounts of dust and gas scattered throughout their disks, which are concentrated in spiral arms and central bars. These regions are thus marked by significant star formation processes, highlighted by the blue light from young hot stars and red patches of glowing gas. An example of a barred spiral galaxy, NGC 1365, features a central bar and spiral arms that are populated with young, blue stars and glowing gas, evidence of recent star formation. Additionally, the Milky Way Galaxy is thought to have a barred spiral structure with ongoing star formation, particularly in its spiral arms.