2-Phenylquinoline-4-carboylhydrazide (HL), and its novel nickel(II), zinc(II) complexes [M(HL)(2)(L)].2H(2)O.NO(3) (M=Ni (1), M=Zn (2)), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductivity, and IR spectra. The crystal structure of [Ni(HL)(2)(L)].2H(2)O.NO(3) obtained from ethanol solution was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis, crystallized in the rhombohedral system, space group R3 , Z=18, a=31.913(3)A, b=31.913(3)A, c=27.709(2)A, alpha=90 degrees , beta=90 degrees , gamma=120 degrees , R(1)=0.0647. The interactions of the complexes and the ligand with calf thymus DNA had been investigated using UV-Vis spectra, fluorescent spectra, CD (circular dichroism) spectra, CV (cyclic voltammetry) and viscosity measurements. These compounds were tested against MFC (mouse forestomach carcinoma) cell lines. The complex 1 showed significant cytotoxic activity against MFC cell lines. The cleavage reaction on plasmid DNA has been monitored by agarose gel electrophoresis. Results suggest that the two complexes bound to DNA via a groove binding mode and the complexes can cleave pBR322 DNA.