Catalyzes the formation of acetyl phosphate from acetate and ATP. Can also catalyze the reverse reaction. Has broad substrate specificity and can also utilize GTP, UTP and CTP. Can also phosphorylate propionate, but has very low activity with formate and is inactive with butyrate. acetate + ATP = acetyl phosphate + ADP Mg(2+). Can also accept Mn(2+). Inhibited by EDTA, butyrate and citrate. Optimum pH is 7.2-7.5. Optimum temperature is 35-37 degrees Celsius. Metabolic intermediate biosynthesis; acetyl-CoA biosynthesis; acetyl-CoA from acetate: step 1/2. Homodimer. Does not grow on ethanolamine and tetrathionate under anoxic conditions; complemented by acetate kinases EutQ. Belongs to the acetokinase family.