How does the level of nitric oxide (NO) in the blood affect the binding of oxygen to hemoglobin?

A Nitric oxide increases the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen
B Nitric oxide decreases the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen ✓
C Nitric oxide has no effect on the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen
D Nitric oxide binds to hemoglobin in place of oxygen, reducing oxygen transport capacity

Explanation

Nitric oxide (NO) binds to the heme group of hemoglobin, forming a complex that reduces the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen, thereby facilitating the release of oxygen to tissues.

Source

Journal of Biological Chemistry
Hematology Hematology: Hemoglobin and Oxygen Transport Hematology: Hemoglobin and Oxygen Transport Hard MEDICAL Confidence: high