Final answer:
The sliding clamp is a ring-shaped protein that holds the DNA polymerase in place during DNA replication, preventing it from sliding off the template. It helps to ensure efficient and accurate replication.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sliding clamp is a ring-shaped protein that holds the DNA polymerase in place during DNA replication. It helps to keep the polymerase firmly attached to the template while it synthesizes a new strand of DNA. The sliding clamp binds to the DNA and prevents the polymerase from sliding off, allowing for efficient and accurate replication.