Isopentenyl phosphate kinase belongs to the amino acid kinase (AAK) superfamily and catalyses the phosphorylation reactions that yield isopentenyl diphosphate. It is both a magnesium ion- and ATP-dependent enzyme. Isopentenyl diphosphate is an attractive alternative to the common non-renewable fuels and hence research on this enzyme provides a promising approach for the production of renewable and environmentally friendly biofuels.