**Core Concept**
The rabies virus is a type of lyssavirus that belongs to the family Rhabdoviridae. It is a single-stranded RNA virus with a unique structure and replication mechanism.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The rabies virus has a single-stranded RNA genome with negative polarity, meaning that its genetic material is complementary to the mRNA produced during viral replication. This characteristic is essential for the virus's replication cycle, as it requires a negative-sense RNA template to synthesize complementary positive-sense RNA. The presence of a negative-sense RNA genome is a hallmark of the Rhabdoviridae family, which includes other important pathogens such as vesicular stomatitis virus.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** The rabies virus is actually a single-stranded RNA virus, not double-stranded RNA.
**Option B:** The rabies virus does not contain a DNA-dependent RNA polymerase; instead, it uses a viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase for replication.
**Option D:** While the rabies virus does affect the nervous system, it primarily targets neurons, not specifically motor neurons.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Rabies virus is transmitted through the saliva of infected animals, usually through bites. The virus enters the nervous system, where it replicates and spreads to the central nervous system, leading to the characteristic symptoms of rabies, including aggression, hydrophobia, and eventually, death.

✓ Correct Answer: C. RNA has a negative polarity