Stomatal density of transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants over-expressing the SDD1 (stomatal density and distribution) gene was reduced to 40% and in the sdd1-1 mutant increased to 300% of the wild type. CO2 assimilation rate and stomatal conductance of over-expressers and the sdd1-1 mutant were unchanged compared with wild types when measured under the light conditions the plants were exposed to during growth. Lower stomatal density was compensated for by increased stomatal aperture and conversely, increased stomatal density was compensated for by reduced stomatal aperture. At high light intensities the assimilation rates and stomatal conductance of SDD1 over-expressers were reduced to 80% of those in wild type plants. Areas beneath stomata and patches lacking stomata were analysed separately. In areas without stomata, maximum fluorescence yield (Fv / Fm) and quantum yield of photosystem II (F PSII) were significantly lower than in areas beneath stomata. In areas beneath stomata, Fv / Fm and F PSII were identical to levels measured in wild type leaves. At high light intensities over-expressers showed decreased photochemical quenching (qP) compared with wild types. However, the decrease of qP was significantly stronger in areas without stomata than in mesophyll areas beneath stomata. At high CO2 partial pressures and high light intensities CO2 assimilation rates of SDD1 over-expressers did not reach wild type levels. These results indicate that photosynthesis in SDD1 over-expressers was reduced because of limiting CO2 in areas furthest from stomata at high light.