Simply because they are genetically engineered does not make it any more likely for plants to become an invasive or persistent weed, according to a decade-long study published in the journal Nature.

a)
b) because it is genetically engineered does not make a plant any more likely to
c) being genetically engineered does not make it any more likely that plants will
d) being genetically engineered does not make a plant any more likely to
e) being genetically engineered does not make a plant any more likely that it will become

Can you please explain why B is incorrect and why D is correct?

Is B wrong because 'it' precedes 'plant'? If so, is such a construction, where the noun comes after the pronoun, always incorrect?

I avoided D because it uses 'being' which it usually incorrect on the GMAT. In fact, I thought it was always wrong on the GMAT. Kindly explain. Thanks!

http://www.manhattangmat.com/forums/simply-because-they-are-genetically-engineered-does-not-make-t641.html

Check out this thread and let me know if you still have a question. Generally, you should be skeptical about "being" but don't automatically eliminate. It is rarely right on the GMAT, but it can be used correctly in the English language (and even, occasionally, on the GMAT!).

Very nice explanation. Thanks!

You're welcome!