Highly specific for beta-cyano-L-alanine (Ala(CN)). Low activity with 3-phenylpropionitrile (PPN). Not associated with auxin production but may be involved in cyanide detoxification (By similarity). a nitrile + 2 H2O = a carboxylate + NH4(+) 3-cyano-L-alanine + 2 H2O = L-aspartate + NH4(+) Belongs to the carbon-nitrogen hydrolase superfamily. Nitrilase family.