Hybrid plasmid vectors containing genes encoding nitrile degrading enzymes and methods of producing amides and acids

The present invention provides a recombinant plasmid comprising combining a hybrid plasmid vector with the isolated DNA sequences of one or more genes encoding nitrile degrading enzymes which are derived from bacteria belonging to the genus Rhodococcus, said hybrid plasmid vector comprising an isolated DNA sequence which confers the vector the ability to replicate and amplify in the cells of bacteria belonging to the genus Rhodococcus, and an isolated DNA sequence which confers the vector the ability to replicate and amplify in the cells of bacteria belonging to Escherichia coli, and an isolated DNA sequence containing a drug resistance gene.