This document summarizes carbohydrate metabolism and the glycolysis pathway. It discusses how carbohydrates are the major source of energy for cells and are synthesized through photosynthesis. Glycolysis is defined as the breakdown of glucose to pyruvate or lactate with ATP production. The key steps of glycolysis include an energy investment phase, splitting phase, and energy generation phase where ATP is synthesized. Glycolysis is a central and universal pathway that is important for energy production in tissues like the brain and red blood cells.