Final answer:
DNA polymerases introduce nucleotides to the free 3' OH in a template-independent manner during DNA replication.
Step-by-step explanation:
DNA polymerases introduce nucleotides in a template-independent manner to the free 3' OH created upon cleavage of the interstrand hairpin. The polymerase adds nucleotides to the growing DNA strand by catalyzing the formation of phosphodiester bonds between the incoming nucleotide triphosphate and the free 3' OH of the deoxynucleotide at the end of the growing strand. This allows for DNA replication to occur.