Involved in the biosynthesis of the central metabolite phospho-alpha-D-ribosyl-1-pyrophosphate (PRPP) via the transfer of pyrophosphoryl group from ATP to 1-hydroxyl of ribose-5-phosphate (Rib-5-P). It can also use CTP and GTP as substrates in addition to ATP. ATP + D-ribose 5-phosphate = 5-phospho-alpha-D-ribose 1-diphosphate + AMP + H(+) Binds 2 Mg(2+) ions per subunit. Activated by Co(2+) and Ni(2+) ions, however Mg(2+) ion shows almost no significant effect on the activity. Equally inhibited by ADP, CTP and GTP, while dTTP and UTP are less inhibitory. Optimum pH is 7. Optimum temperature is 50 degrees Celsius. Half-life of the enzyme activity is 55 minutes at 70 degrees Celsius. Metabolic intermediate biosynthesis; 5-phospho-alpha-D-ribose 1-diphosphate biosynthesis; 5-phospho-alpha-D-ribose 1-diphosphate from D-ribose 5-phosphate (route I): step 1/1. Belongs to the ribose-phosphate pyrophosphokinase family. Class III (archaeal) subfamily.