In this paper we encode some of the reasoning methods used in frame based knowledge representation languages in answer set programming (ASP). In particular, we show how ``cloning'' and ``unification'' in frame based systems can be encoded in ASP. We then show how some of the types of queries with respect to a biological knowledge base can be encoded using our methodology. We also provide insight on how the reasoning can be done more efficiently when dealing with a huge knowledge base.

Given that the knowledge-based system relies on these inferences in the midst of its operation (i.e., its diagnosis, planning, or whatever), their computational tractability is an important concern. Here we present evidence as to how the cost of computing one kind of inference is directly related to the expressiveness of the representation language.