How do SQL server 2000 and XML linked? Can XML be used to access data?

How do SQL server 2000 and XML linked? Can XML be used to access data?
FOR XML (ROW, AUTO, EXPLICIT)

Ans:
You can execute SQL queries against existing relational databases to return results as XML rather than
standard rowsets. These queries can be executed directly or from within stored procedures. To retrieve
XML results, use the FOR XML clause of the SELECT statement and specify an XML mode of RAW, AUTO,
or EXPLICIT.