Transition metal complexes, referred to hereinafter as “metalloligands”, that catalyze the degradation of DNA and the cleavage of RNA at select sites are provided. In one embodiment, the metalloligand has the following structure: wherein R1 is an amino group, i.e. an NH, or an alkylamino group comprising 1 or 2 carbon atoms; wherein R2 is selected from the group consisting of an amino group, a hydroxyl group, i.e., O(H), an alkylamino group comprising 1 or 2 carbon atoms; and an alkylhydroxyl group comprising 1 or 2 carbon atoms; wherein J is a ligand which comprises at least one carbon-containing five-membered or six-membered ring structure; and wherein M is a transition metal ion which is bound via coordinate bonds to R1 and R2. In another embodiment the metalloligand has the following structure: wherein R1′ and R1″ are the same or different and wherein R1′ and R1″ are an amino group or an alkylamino group comprising 1 or 2 carbon atoms; wherein R2′ and R2″ are the same or different and wherein R2′ and R2″ are selected from the group consisting of an amino group, a hydroxyl group, an alkylamino group comprising 1 or 2 carbon atoms, and an alkylhydroxyl group comprising one or two carbon atoms; wherein J′ and J″ are the same or different and wherein J′ and J″ are ligands which comprise at least one carbon-containing five-membered or six-membered ring structure; and wherein M is a transition metal ion which is bound via coordinate bonds to R1′, R1″, R2′ and R2″. Methods of cleaving nucleic acids using the metalloligands are also provided.