Final answer:
The sliding clamp is a ring-shaped protein that keeps DNA polymerase attached to the template strand during DNA synthesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sliding clamp, also known as a ring-shaped protein, functions to keep DNA polymerase attached to the template strand during DNA synthesis. It is essential for both leading and lagging strand synthesis as it holds the polymerase in place, allowing for the continuous addition of nucleotides. Therefore, option A is the correct answer.