Light-independent reaction. Definition. noun. The series of biochemical reactions in photosynthesis that do not require light to proceed, and ultimately produce organic molecules from carbon dioxide. Supplement. The energy released from ATP (produced during the light reactions) drives this metabolic pathway.
Kissing bugs are found throughout the Americas. In the US, kissing bugs are established in 28 states. A total of 11 different species of kissing bugs have been documented in the US, with the highest diversity and density in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Kissing bugs are not new to the United States. There is documentation of kissing bugs in many states in records in the early 1900s.
Almost all known species reside in the New World. They are best known as vectors of Chagas disease, a disease caused by transmission of the blood parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, through their feces. Vector transmission of Chagas disease occurs with a number of endemic kissing bugs. Chagas is largely confined to Mexico, Central America and South America. Although only a few cases of insect-transmitted Chagas disease have occurred in the US, these bugs are common in southern, southeastern and southwestern states.