Final answer:
The statement in question is false; SALT analyses require the integrity of the RNA transcript to study tRNA structure and function accurately.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'The SALT analyses DO NOT rely on the integrity of the transcript itself' is false. SALT (Structure-Adjacent Ligand Test) analyses typically require intact RNA transcripts because they are used to study the structure and function of RNAs, such as tRNA. The integrity of the transcripts is essential since structural changes or degradation can affect the interaction between tRNA and amino acids or codons on the mRNA, thus influencing the binding specificity and the overall function of the tRNA.
In this context, the integrity of the transcript is important for ensuring accurate replication of the tRNA's natural conditions in the cell, so the SALT analysis can accurately reflect biological realities. Additionally, the integrity of mRNA is important when looking at processes such as alternative splicing and mRNA stability, which can affect protein expression levels and function.