Catalyzes the conversion of acetate into acetyl-CoA (AcCoA), an essential intermediate at the junction of anabolic and catabolic pathways. AcsA undergoes a two-step reaction. In the first half reaction, AcsA 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. Although acetate is the preferred substrate of AcsA, propionate is also used, but at a diminished rate compared with that of acetate. Fatty acids with more than three carbon atoms are usually not accepted as substrates by AcsA. acetate + ATP + CoA = acetyl-CoA + AMP + diphosphate Ketone degradation; acetoin degradation. Acetylated. Deacetylation by the SIR2-homolog deacetylase activates the enzyme. Belongs to the ATP-dependent AMP-binding enzyme family.