The following enzymes have been shown [1,2] to be evolutionary related:

• Acetate kinase (EC 2.7.2.1) (acetokinase) (gene ackA) from bacteria and archaebacteria. This enzyme is involved in the interconversion of acetate and acetyl-CoA via the acetyl phosphate intermediate. In anaerobic growth it provides ATP by catabolyzing acetate phosphate into acetate.
• Butyrate kinase (EC 2.7.2.7) (gene buk). This enzyme is involved in the interconversion of butyrate and butyryl-CoA via the butyryl phosphate intermediate. Butyrate kinase is involved in the acidogenic phase of fermentation.
• Propionate kinase (EC 2.7.2,.) (gene tdcD) from Escherichia coli.

We have developed two signature patterns for these enzymes; the first one is located in the N-terminal section and the second in the central section. Both of them are glycine-rich and could be involved in substrate or ATP-binding.