Final answer:
The statement is false. Prokaryotes use a formylated Methionine tRNA (fMet-tRNA) to initiate protein synthesis, while eukaryotes use an initiator tRNA with unformylated Methionine (Met-tRNAi) which does not bind formyl groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that in eukaryotes and prokaryotes, the initiator tRNA is a formylated Methionine tRNA (fMet:tRNA) is false. In prokaryotes like E. coli, the initiator tRNA does indeed carry a formylated methionine (fMet-tRNAf). This is necessary to initiate protein synthesis. The fMet is recognized by the initiation factor IF-2, and starts every polypeptide chain synthesized by E. coli, but it is typically removed after translation.
In contrast, eukaryotes use an initiator tRNA that carries an unformylated methionine (Met-tRNAi). Eukaryotic initiator tRNA is distinct because it can bind initiation factors (IFs), but it does not bind fMet. Thus, formylated methionine is not used in initiation of protein synthesis in eukaryotic cells. Instead, they use a specialized tRNA that directly binds to the P site of the ribosome.