Comedienne Mel Giedroyc has narrated an animated video for Oxford University about using x-rays to work out the shapes of proteins.

The Great British Bake-Off presenter, pictured, lent her voice to A Case of Crystal Clarity, available online at oxfordsparks.net.

In crystallography, molecules such as proteins are transformed into crystals and bombarded with X-rays. The patterns made by these X-rays give clues to a particular protein’s structure.

Ms Giedroyc said: “I love Oxford and I’m in awe of anyone who can understand science. I got thrown out of physics and chemistry age 13 for being scientifically challenged. Having merely thought of crystals as little annoying bits on the end of a hippy’s tasselled skirt, I’m now looking at them in a different light – fascinating stuff.”