> Eukaryotes should produce and leave behind certain distinctive molecules, but fossilized versions of those molecules don’t show up in the rock record until...

> Eukaryotes should produce and leave behind certain distinctive molecules, but fossilized versions of those molecules don’t show up in the rock record until... My understanding is that fossilized remains are mineralized, that is certain fragile/decomposing molecules are replaced by mineral compounds. Clearly my understanding is inadequate else how could you find old organic molecules? Can anyone explain how this works? A brief web search didn't find an explanation, likely because it requires specialized vocabulary I don't know.