Heterotrophic bacteria is not able to lead the planktonic way of life as heterotrophic bacteria are unable to produce their own food where as planktons are able to produce their own food with the help of sunlight by a process called photosynthesis. Heterotrophic bacteria depends on source of organic carbon and derives its energy by the break down of the organic carbon. Solution Heterotrophic bacteria is not able to lead the planktonic way of life as heterotrophic bacteria are unable to produce their own food where as planktons are able to produce their own food with the help of sunlight by a process called photosynthesis. Heterotrophic bacteria depends on source of organic carbon and derives its energy by the break down of the organic carbon..