This work is focused on the study of DNA binding and cleavage properties of 2'-deoxyadenosines modified with ester/amide of histidine (his(6)dA ester, his(6)dA amide) and their copper(II) complexes. To determine the coordination mode of the complex species potentiometric and spectroscopic (UV-visible, CD, EPR) studies have been performed. The analysis of electronic absorption and fluorescence spectra has been used to find the nature of the interactions between the compounds and calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA). There is significant influence of the -NH2 and -OCH3 groups on binding of the ligands or the complexes to DNA. Only amide derivative and its complex reveal intercalative ability. In the case of his(6)dA ester and Cu(II)-his(6)dA ester the main interactions can be groove binding. DNA cleavage activities of the compounds have been examined by gel electrophoresis. The copper complexes have promoted the cleavage of plasmid DNA, but none of the ligands exhibited any chemical nuclease activity. The application of different scavengers of reactive oxygen species provided a conclusion that DNA cleavage caused by copper complexes might occur via hydrolytic pathway.