The cell that begins both meiosis and mitosis is a diploid cell.

Here's why:

* Diploid cells have two sets of chromosomes (one set from each parent). This is the starting point for both processes.

* Meiosis is the process of cell division that creates gametes (sperm and egg cells), which are haploid (having only one set of chromosomes).

* Mitosis is the process of cell division that creates two identical daughter cells, which are also diploid.

So, both meiosis and mitosis start with a diploid cell, but they have different goals and end up with different types of cells.