In molecular biology, acetate kinase (EC 2.7.2.1), which is predominantly found in micro-organisms, facilitates the production of acetyl-CoA by phosphorylating acetate in the presence of ATP and a divalent cation. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) play a major role in carbon cycle and can be utilized as a source of carbon and energy by bacteria. The enzyme is important in the process of glycolysis, enzyme levels being increased in the presence of excess glucose. The growth of a bacterial mutant lacking acetate kinase has been shown to be inhibited by glucose, suggesting that the enzyme is involved in excretion of excess carbohydRate. A related enzyme, butyRate kinase, facilitates the formation of butyryl-CoA by phosphorylating butyRate in the presence of ATP to form butyryl phosphate
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