Final answer:
DNA polymerase incorporates the correct paired nucleotide into the growing strand through proofreading. If the nucleotide is correct, it is added to the growing strand. If it is incorrect, the enzyme removes it and adds the correct nucleotide.
Step-by-step explanation:
DNA polymerase incorporates the correct paired nucleotide into the growing strand through a process called proofreading. During proofreading, the DNA polymerase checks whether the newly added base has paired correctly with the base in the template strand. If the base is correct, the polymerase adds the next nucleotide. However, if an incorrect base has been added, the enzyme uses its exonuclease activity to cut the phosphodiester bond and remove the wrong nucleotide. Then, a new correct nucleotide can be added.