We report the synthesis of a series of mixed ligand transition metal complexes from novel Schiff base ( HL ) of morpholine derivative, 2,2’-bipyridine and acetate salts of Cu(II), Zn(II), Ni(II) and Co(II). The li gand and its metal were characterized by molar conductance, elemental analysis, UV-Vis., FTIR, 1 H NMR, ESR and mass spectrometric techniques. The spectral data reveale d that the complexes have [ML(bpy)] type compositio n and square planar geometry. The redox behaviour of copp er complexes was studied by cyclic voltammetry. Antimicrobial and antifungal screening tests gave g ood results in the presence of metal ion in the lig and system. The nuclease activity of the above metal complexes show s that the complexes cleave DNA through redox chemi stry. Further the interaction of complexes with HS-DNA by absorption and viscometric measurements suggested that the complexes bind via intercalation mode.