Final answer:
The claim that only ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is involved in translation is false. rRNA plays a vital role in the structure and function of ribosomes, but mRNA provides the codon sequence for amino acids and tRNA brings amino acids to the ribosome, both of which are essential for protein synthesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that 'only ribosomal RNA (rRNA) plays a role in translation' is false. Although rRNA is a crucial component of the ribosomes, playing a structural role and catalyzing peptide bond formation, translation requires several other key participants. This includes messenger RNA (mRNA), which provides the template for sequencing amino acids; transfer RNA (tRNA), which brings the appropriate amino acids to the ribosome; and various enzymatic factors that aid in the assembly of the amino acid chain into a polypeptide. rRNA ensures the proper alignment of mRNA and ribosomes, and the peptidyl transferase activity of rRNA is vital for the formation of peptide bonds. However, without the additional molecules like mRNA and tRNA, the translation process could not proceed. Therefore, rRNA is not the only RNA involved in the translation process.