Catalyzes the conversion of acetate into acetyl-CoA (AcCoA), an essential intermediate at the junction of anabolic and catabolic pathways. Acs undergoes a two-step reaction. In the first half reaction, Acs combines acetate with ATP to form acetyl-adenylate (AcAMP) intermediate. In the second half reaction, it can then transfer the acetyl group from AcAMP to the sulfhydryl group of CoA, forming the product AcCoA. Enables the cell to use acetate during aerobic growth to generate energy via the TCA cycle, and biosynthetic compounds via the glyoxylate shunt. Acetylates CheY, the response regulator involved in flagellar movement and chemotaxis. acetate + ATP + CoA = acetyl-CoA + AMP + diphosphate Optimum pH is 8.5. Forms a 1:1 complex with CobB/NAD-dependent deacetylase. By CRP and FNR, in response to rising cAMP levels, falling oxygen partial pressure and changes in carbon flux. May also be induced by acetate. Autoacetylated. Deacetylation by CobB activates the enzyme. Cells lacking this gene grow as well as wild-type cells at high concentrations (>25 mM) of acetate as the sole carbon source, but grow poorly on lower concentrations (<10 mM). Belongs to the ATP-dependent AMP-binding enzyme family.